A 30-year-old former priest was found on the run with a teenage boy in Italy on Saturday, local authorities said.
Former priest Alex Crow of Mobile, Alabama, and an 18-year-old woman were found in Italy by one of the young woman’s family members. according to Sheriff press release quoted by AL.com.Crowe reportedly left a letter before departure indicating he had no plans to return to the United States.
“They appeared to be in separate bedrooms,” said Mobile County Sheriff Paul Birch, according to the paper. “The young woman claimed there was no intimate relationship. , although some issues are under investigation, there does not appear to be any (foundation for) criminal charges.”
The Archdiocese of Mobile stripped Crow of his title and responsibilities in the Diocese of Corpus Christi for abandoning his duties in early July. according to Wednesday’s statement from the district. (Related: Generation Z traded church for ‘new religion’, religious leaders say)
Statement on Fr. from the Archdiocese of Mobile. Alex Crow. pic.twitter.com/Z4zIAmvImn
— Catholic Week (@thecatholicweek) July 26, 2023
“Father, Alex Crowe has abandoned his duties in the Archdiocese,” the statement read. “His demeanor is totally unbefitting of a priest. He was told by the Archbishop that he should no longer perform priestly ministry, tell people that he is a priest, or dress like a priest.” was notified.”
“We have also reported to the District Attorney in light of his departure from the country.”
According to AL.com, authorities have not officially confirmed Crowe and the young woman’s travel plans or purpose.
