The Vatican and Pope Francis have officially laicized former Alabama priest Alex Crow.

This drastic measure follows his unexpected marriage to an 18-year-old woman, a recent graduate of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, where Crow also attended.

Laicization, a process removing the legal status of a clergyman, leaves an indelible mark on Crow’s clerical journey. It signifies the loss of his rights to exercise sacred ministry, except in dire situations like administering last rites. Moreover, this means Crow is no longer financially supported by the Church and is stripped of any clerical privileges or responsibilities.

This case gained widespread attention when Crow, 30, abruptly left his post at Corpus Christi Parish in Mobile, Alabama, to marry Harrison, whom he had reportedly known since her school days.

Their relationship, starting just a month after Harrison turned 18, culminated in a notarized marriage certificate filed in November of 2023.

The Mobile County District Attorney and the Sheriff’s Office conducted thorough investigations but found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. Crow, who has a background in demonology, was known for his sermons on exorcism and had a significant influence on students during his visits to theology classes.

Archbishop Thomas Rodi expressed his gratitude towards Pope Francis for the decision, noting, “I pray that this decision is one more way in which we can all move toward peace after these unsettling events.”

Despite the absence of criminal charges, the Church’s decisive action highlights its commitment to uphold its values and norms. As the archdiocese stated, “This decision of Pope Francis is final. There is no appeal.”

Photo credit: godongphoto / Shutterstock.com
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