India, Oct. 13 -- At least 21 nuns were evacuated after a massive fire broke out at the 400-year-old Bernaga Monastery in northern Italy on Saturday, local media reported.

The monastery, located in La Valletta Brianza, a commune near Milan, suffered extensive damage in the blaze, which authorities believe was caused by a short circuit in one of the cells occupied by the Ambrosian Romite monks.

Regional councillor Massimo Sertori confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, describing the fire as "of huge proportions." He noted that the site holds religious significance as the place where recently canonised Saint Carlo Acutis received his First Communion.

Of the 21 nuns evacuated, 19 have been relocated to another religious facility in Po...