An Alabama Catholic priest, Alex Crow, has been officially expelled from the ministry after fleeing to Italy with an 18-year-old girl and marrying her months after she graduated from high school.
The laicization process, which strips the clergy members of their duties and responsibilities as figures of the Catholic Church, was initiated after Crow was absent for more than six months. Crow requested removal from the priesthood, and Pope Francis confirmed the request. The Archdiocese of Mobile received notice that the laicization of Alex Crow is complete, effective immediately.
Crow’s love affair with the teenager became evident when law enforcement caught wind of love letters he sent her on Valentine’s Day while she was still a student. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi later condemned him for his actions, which he deemed “totally unbecoming of a priest.” Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch believed that some grooming had gone on by Crow, who was ordained in 2021.
Before the six-month period was over, Crow initiated the process for his laicization, a move the Archbishop supported. As of Friday, Crow no longer has any “privileges or responsibilities of the priesthood.” He may no longer exercise ministry as a priest, tell people he is a priest or dress as a priest. The Church shared that Crow did not appeal the move during the process.
2021.
Crow, who was once in a rock band, was fascinated with demonology and told people he was going to Europe with the teen to perform exorcisms. After spending four months abroad, the pair returned to Mobile, Alabama, where the 30-year-old disgraced priest married the teen.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and Mobile County District Attorney’s Office investigated possible wrongdoing by the former priest, but no crime could be pinned on Crow.
The Vatican confirmed that Crow did not attempt to appeal the ruling. Copy Photo
The Archbishop of Mobile saw no way back to the priesthood for Crow, considering his scandalous behaviour. The Vatican confirmed that Crow did not attempt to appeal the ruling. The Church concluded that they pray that this decision is one more way in which they can all move toward peace after these unsettling events, and they continue to pray for God’s grace to bring healing for all.
