Investigators say that the three perpetrators appear to have been after money, believing that the San Colombano Belmonte monastery near Turin held great wealth, The Times of London reported.

The victims, the Rev. Salvatore Magliano, 86, the Rev. Emanuele Battagliotti, 81, and the Rev. Martino Gurini, 76, and the monastery's watchman, the Rev. Sergio Baldin, 48, were eating dinner when Tuesday they heard sounds outside.

"I got up to have a look, but the moment I got to the door I was attacked -- suddenly, immediately. I was struck on the head with a blow that made me totter," Battagliotti told The Times. "Father Sergio came to my aid. He put himself in front of me to try and defend me, but he too was knocked down without mercy. They hit him until he stopped crying out. Then they beat Father Salvatore and Father Martin as well. It was terrible."

Baldin, who choked on his food, suffered the most serious injuries and was in a coma.

Police set up roadblocks around the monastery.