Alabama priest who married 18-year-old ousted from priesthood

Decision by archbishop on Alex Crow in sharp contrast to decision on different priest who sexually molested multiple boys

The Roman Catholic priest in Alabama who married a recent high school graduate after meeting her through his ministry, fleeing to Europe with her and facing law enforcement scrutiny, has been permanently ousted from the priesthood, a consequence few clergymen ever endure.

Alex Crow's removal as a priest - known as laicization - by the Vatican had taken effect by 5 January and was confirmed in a letter from the Catholic church's worldwide leader, Pope Francis, according to an announcement from the archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama.