The Vatican has a network of powerful gay men and they should be exposed before they threaten the life of Pope Francis, a Swiss guard has claimed.

On January 19, Elmar Mader, who headed the Swiss Guard from 2002 to 2008, told Swiss newspaper Schweiz am Sonntag that there is a presence of bisexuality at the heart of the church.

"I cannot refute the claim that there is a network of homosexuals. My experiences would indicate the existence of such a thing," he told the newspaper based on a translation made by UK's The Guardian.

Malder was not the first to come out with such claims. Another unnamed Swiss guard stepped out recently saying he received more than 20 "unambiguous sexual requests" from clergy while serving in the force.

"As the spinach and steak were served, the priest said to me: 'And you are the dessert'," he said while describing the Roman Curia was a "like a magnet" for gay men.

Few days after these bold accusations, Malder received flak from different religious sectors and the Christian community.

"A working environment in which the great majority of men are unmarried is per se a draw for homosexuals, whether they consciously seek it out or unconsciously follow an urge," Mader said.

Archbishop  Angelo Becciu, Vatican's deputy Secretary of State challenged the whistleblower to come and meet him, saying his "office is open."

Gay rights activities also aired their disgust of Malder's statements saying he better back up his claims.

"Along with all gay people in the armed forces, I would advise Mader to become better informed," said Aurelio Mancuso, chairman of Equality.

"Statistically, gays are the least violent group in human society so if the Pope were really surrounded by homosexuals, he could sleep easy," said Franco Grillini, chairman of Gaynet.