Supporters of the Rev. Alberto Cutie have protested against the Catholic Church’s mandatory celibacy rule, but the priest himself says the rule is a good thing.

According to the AP: Cutie told the CBS “Early Show” on Monday he supports the church’s stand that priests should be celibate and said he does not want to become the “anti-celibacy priest.”

“I think it’s a debate that’s going on in our society, and now I’ve become kind of a poster boy for it. But I don’t want to be that. I believe that celibacy is good, and that it’s a good commitment to God,” Cutie said.

Cutie was busted when pictures showed him embracing a bikined brunette. The popular priest, whose programs are broadcast throughout Latin America, said today he’s been in a relationship with the woman for about two years. He is considering leaving the priesthood for good and getting married, Cutie said.