Italian Priest Who Left Cassock for Love, Crying Hard with Eye Patch Too

Fell in Love with a Woman Known for 4 Years
"Gave Up Priesthood Because I Could Not Approach the Church Transparently and Rightly"

Father Ricardo Czekobeli, who wore an eye patch due to inflammation caused by crying too much in recent days, participated in the interview. Photo by ANSA News Agency.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] An Italian priest who gave up his priesthood after falling in love with a woman is drawing attention.

According to local media on the 13th (local time), at a church in the small village of Massa Martana near the central Italian city of Perugia, Father Riccardo Cecovelli (42) confessed to the congregation after the Sunday Mass on the 11th that he had fallen in love with a woman and decided to leave the priesthood.

Father Riccardo said, "I want to keep this love without suppressing or abandoning it," adding, "Since I can no longer consistently, transparently, and rightly serve the church as I have until now, I have decided to give up the priesthood myself."

In his heart, full of faith, feelings of love for a woman he had known for four years had blossomed.

Father Riccardo recently wore an eye patch due to inflammation from crying too much and responded to media interviews. He said, "I don't really know how such a thing happened. At that time, I was surprised and scared," adding, "Leaving the priesthood was a very difficult decision. But after my decision was made public that Sunday, I felt emotions such as freedom, honesty, and clarity."

Father Ricardo Czekobeli (left), who gave up the priesthood to protect love. Photo by ANSA News Agency

The last Mass he celebrated was also attended by Monsignor Gualtiero Sigismondi, the diocesan bishop who had always been like a father to him.

Monsignor expressed continued support and affection for him as he returned to secular life. He said, "I thank Father Riccardo for his service," and "Above all, I sincerely hope that this choice, made with complete free will, brings him peace and tranquility." Father Riccardo had served as a priest in this village of 3,700 people for six years.

The diocesan authority suspended Father Riccardo's priestly duties and began the dismissal process. They also submitted a petition to Pope Francis requesting the dispensation from the priestly celibacy obligation on his behalf.