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	Italian Priest Ignites Celibacy Debate with Profession of Love Catholic World News August 29, 2007 http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=53188 Rome — A Catholic priest in Monterosso, Italy, has given new impetus to public debate on clerical celibacy by announcing that he is in love with a local woman. Father Sante Squotti claims to be "engaged" to the woman, who is separated from her husband. But in a confused series of remarks he insisted that he would continue to adhere to his vow of celibacy. "Canon law does not forbid a priest from falling in love, or from becoming engaged in a celibate manner," he said. Father Squotti said that his public statements were intended to stimulate discussion on the value of priestly celibacy. He argued that priests and religious can serve the Church more effectively if they have had the experience of being in love.
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