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Miami Priest Admits 2-Year Affair

Photo scandal may lead him to marry woman he says he loves

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted May 12, 2009 6:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – The celebrity priest whose racy photos sparked a Catholic scandal broke his silence yesterday on The Early Show, admitting he’s in a 2-year sexual relationship with the woman in the pictures. Father Alberto Cutié said he’s in love with her and has never had sex with anyone else since taking his vows. But he acknowledged that he’s become “kind of a poster boy” for the debate over celibacy—which he supports, but believes "people should be given the option to marry in order to serve God."

“I don’t support the breaking of the celibacy promise. I understand fully that this is wrong,” said Cutié, who is not sure whether he will end the relationship or marry the woman. “I don't want to be the anti-celibacy priest. I think that's unfortunate.”

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

[Quotes (3)]

In this Sunday, Oct. 3, 1999 file photo, Father Alberto Cutie speaks to his congregation during service, at St. Patrick's Church in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, file)

Father Alberto Cutie leads a funeral service for famed Cuban musician Israel 'Cachao' Lopez at St Michaels Catholic Church March 27, 2008 in Miami, Florida. (Getty Images)

Father Alberto Cutie appeared on CBS' Early Show to discuss his relationship with a woman with whom he was caught cavorting on the beach. (FailStop)

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Father Alberto Cutie discusses his scandal on the CBS Early Show. (FailStop)

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I believe that celibacy is good. What many say is that maybe it should be optional. And that I do believe: I do believe that people should be given the option to marry or not to marry in order to serve God. - Father Alberto Cutié

I think we all have ideals, and we have ways of living, and we want to do things right. But the truth is, sometimes we fall short. And I fell short. - Father Alberto Cutié

In 22 years I've never had a sexual relationship with anyone. I've never been sexually inappropriate with anyone. I've never had any type of scandal. This is the only person that I've had sexual contact with. - Father Alberto Cutié

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Miami Priest Admits 2-Year Affair