DETROIT (MI)
Detroit Free Press
By Niraj Warikoo
Detroit Free Press Staff Writer
With his Hollywood-star looks and a doctorate in moral theology, the Rev. Thomas Williams became a nationally known Catholic priest who spoke often on NBC and CBS as an advocate for the Vatican.
But this week, the Bloomfield Hills native announced he fathered a child, becoming the latest prominent leader with the conservative Catholic order Legion of Christ to face scandal.
Williams, 50, stepped down from his prominent position in Rome — where he taught at the Legion’s university — and will take a year off.
Williams is back in Michigan with his parents while recovering from cancer surgery, said the Legion’s director, the Rev. Luis Garza. In recent years, Williams became the public face of the Legion. Katie Couric once jokingly referred to Williams as “Father-What-a-Waste,” noting his handsome appearance, recalled Deacon Greg Kandra of New York. Catholic priests are required to be celibate.
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