'We Are Not Going to Parade Nuns in Bathing Suits'

They've got to be kidding. Miss Sister 2008, seeking to find the world's hottest nuns.

Somehow, I doubt this will go over well.

An Italian priest wants nuns across the world to flaunt it in the name of beauty.

Reverend Antonio Rungi, of Mondragone, near Naples, has come up with a novel way of enticing young people back to the church.

He has organised a beauty contest open only to nuns, to give them more visibility within the Catholic church, and to fight the stereotype that they are old and dour.

It would run online at first, but Reverend Rungi is hopeful that it will one day take off in the real world alongside the all-singing and all-dancing Miss Italia competition.

He said it would give nuns from around the world a chance to showcase their work and image.

'Nuns are a bit excluded, they are a bit marginalised in ecclesiastical life,' Reverend Rungi said.

'This will be an occasion to make their contribution more visible.'

When asked who his ideal woman was, Reverend Rungi replied: 'Sophia Loren'.

The moral theologian and school teacher expects at least 1000 nuns to enter the competition.

Aspiring 'Miss Sisters' will fill out a profile including information about their life and vocation, and with a photograph attached.

It will be up to them whether they choose to pose with the traditional veil or with their heads uncovered.

Reverend Rungi assured that contestants would not wear swimsuits or revealing outfits because it was inner beauty that counted.

'We are not going to parade nuns in bathing suits.

'But being ugly is not a requirement for becoming a nun. External beauty is gift from God, and we mustn't hide it.'