Archbishop of Miami ‘deeply saddened’ by priest’s photo scandal

Miami, Fla., May 5, 2009 / 11:46 am

Archbishop of Miami John C. Favalora has said he is "deeply saddened" by news that a South Florida priest well-known for his Spanish language television and radio shows was photographed in "compromising positions" with a woman on a beach.

Fr. Alberto Cutié hosted Spanish language television show on Telemundo and had a radio show on Radio Paz, CBS 4 Miami reports. He also wrote an advice column in El Nuevo Herald.

A Spanish-language tabloid magazine released pictures of the priest and a woman on a beach in what CBS 4 Miami characterized as "several compromising positions."

Fr. Cutié serves Mass in the Miami Beach parish of St. Francis De Sales and could be removed from performing priestly functions because he is believed to have violated his vow of chastity.

In a Tuesday statement, Archbishop Favalora said he was "deeply saddened" by the news about Fr. Cutié.

"I apologize on behalf of the Church in Miami to the parishioners of Saint Francis de Sales Parish, where he serves as administrator, to the listeners and supporters of Radio Paz and Radio Peace, and to the entire Archdiocese," he wrote.

The archbishop explained that the priest had made a promise of celibacy that all priests are expected to fulfill "with the help of God."

"Father Cutié's actions cannot be condoned despite the good works he has done as a priest. I ask for everyone's prayers at this time. Scandals such as this offer an occasion for the Church on all levels to examine our consciences regarding the integrity of our commitments to the Lord and to his Church," Archbishop Favalora said.

El Nuevo Herald reported that Fr. Cutié was to meet with the archbishop on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the pictures.