The loose-knit group of hackers known as Anonymous have reportedly launched a second attack on the Vatican website, after failing in its initial attempt to bring the site down on March 7.
The latest attack on Monday has not yet been confirmed or denied by the Vatican.
The vice director of the Holy See's Press Office, Father Ciro Benedettini, said the March 7 attack was not successful, as the hackers failed to post their distinctive logo on the Vatican website.
On March 12, the hackers stated on their Italian blog that they expect the Vatican to publicly excommunicate them.
They accuse the Holy See of damaging public health with the antennas of Vatican Radio and also claim to have broken into the site’s database.
According to the hackers, the attack was in “response to the doctrines, liturgies and absurd and out-dated precepts that your organization (Roman Apostolic Church) propagates and spreads throughout the world in the interests of profit.”
Anonymous began in 2003 but achieved notoriety around 2009 through its attacks on the websites of important government institutions and businesses in diverse countries.
The group claims the attacks are a form of legitimate protest.
The FBI was able to capture one of its leaders after another group leader, Hector Monsegur, offered to provide information to the agency in recent weeks.
Monsegur and other group members are accused of identity theft and stealing money from a U.S. financial entity.