A 42-year-old Catholic Priest of the Central Italy Parish,  Riccardo Ceccobelli, has withdrawn from Priesthood after six years.

According to a statement released by the Diocese, Ceccobelli opted out of the ministry on the ground that he cannot continue to be consistent and coherent  in the ways of the church as his heart is already in love.

Ceccobelli disclosed his intention of hanging his priestly cassock on April 11.

” My heart is in love although I have never had the opportunity to transgress the promises I made.

” I want to try to live this love without repressing it, without pushing it away” the priest said.

The News, reports that Ceccobelli has been suspended by the Church from his duties while arrangements are already in process to return  him to lay state.

Bishop Gualitiero Sigismondi, while addressing the Central Italy  Parishioners, appreciated Ceccobelli for his services in the Church and wished him well in his resolution