A Catholic priest has issued an apology after a video went viral showing him smacking an altar boy’s head during a wedding ceremony. The incident occurred as the young boy struggled to hold a microphone steady for the groom while the couple exchanged their vows, leading to the priest’s frustrated reaction.

The video, which spread quickly on social media, drew mixed reactions from viewers. While some saw the priest’s actions as harmless and lighthearted, others criticized it as inappropriate, especially considering the sacred nature of the ceremony.

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In response to the outcry, the priest, whose identity remains undisclosed, released a new video apologizing to the altar boy and his family. He explained that his action was a mistake, not intentional, and expressed regret for the incident.

“This young boy was holding the microphone, but he wasn’t positioning it properly for the groom to speak his vows. Accidentally, I knocked his head,” the priest explained. “Someone captured the moment and shared it online, and I was asked to apologize to the boy’s family. I am truly sorry for what happened.”

He went on to clarify that the action was not deliberate but rather a reflex in the heat of the moment as he officiated the wedding.