Why? Can a person not be given a second chance where he won’t be continued to be humiliated? Aren’t we supposed to forgive if someone asks for forgiveness?
This guy had an affair with a woman; he’s not a potential sexual deviant. He isn’t accused of sexually harrassing anyone at his parish. He hasn’t been accused of making advances at a minor.
You think he should be forever judged and talked about behind his back because he had a consentual affair with a grown woman?
How do you know he hasn’t gone to Confession already? If he is sorry, why not be transferred somewhere else where he can let go of his shame and guilt and build a new life serving God?
I pray for the Catholic clergy all the time - that they stay holy. I agree that a priest should not betray his vows to chastity, but I also believe that humans make mistakes and if they ask for forgiveness, they should be forgiven.
I resent this holier than thou attitude that a lot of Christians have. We are supposed to be united in helping eachother during times of despair and need - priests included! Jesus said it better than I, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
This priest could have been lonely, depressed, desperate for love, etc. He could have had a close family member die. He could have found out he has cancer…we don’t know. Just because he seems like he has it all - good looks, celebrity status - doesn’t mean that he really had it all.