Vatican criticizes bishop candidate

ASUNCION, Paraguay, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The Vatican has criticized a retired bishop in Paraguay for deciding to run for president in 2008, ABC Color newspaper reported Wednesday.

In a letter to Fernando Lugo, Roman Catholic officials warned that they could impose certain religious sanctions against the retired bishop if he pursued the presidency.

The 55-year-old Lugo said the Catholic Church can either accept his political ambitions or punish him, ABC Color said.

Lugo has said he wants to form an alliance to defeat President Nicanor Duarte and his conservative Colorado Party, which has been in power for some 60 years.