Padre Damián, the Redemptorist priest who drew national attention after appearing on “La Voz” in 2015, has announced that he is leaving the priesthood. He made the decision public in a social media statement, bringing his 20-year religious journey to an end. He said it followed nearly three years of deep personal questioning and inner struggle.
In his announcement, Damián María Montes expressed gratitude for the experiences and challenges he encountered during his ministry. He said the process was difficult at times, but that he leaves with a sense of peace and fulfillment. He devoted himself to every mission and fostered dialogue in the communities he served. He did not disclose the specific reasons for his decision, but spoke of reconciliation and thanked the parishioners and colleagues who supported him throughout his two decades of service. The Redemptorists, formally known as the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, are a Catholic religious congregation engaged in missionary work and community ministry.
Montes now plans to redirect his professional life toward education, literature, poetry, theater, and broader cultural creation. He said he hopes to contribute beauty, thought, and humanity to society. His future plans also leave open the possibility of building a new personal life and starting a family. He assured those who have accompanied him over the years that his home and support remain open, and invited them to join him in this new chapter. His public announcement describes his decision; any formal canonical status is a separate matter handled through Church procedures.
The announcement comes as public figures in Spain speak more openly about personal transitions and life changes. Padre Damián’s story echoes other high-profile departures and transformations in Spanish society, including Paula Badosa’s candid public statements about her relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas. Her remarks drew impressive attention and discussion, as reported in this recent report on public reactions to personal decisions.
The Redemptorist order, to which Damián belonged, is known for missionary work and social outreach in Spain and beyond. Over the past decade, the Catholic Church in Spain has seen a gradual decline in vocations, while many clergy have explored roles in education, social work, and the arts. Departures from religious life remain relatively rare and often prompt broader discussions about vocation, personal fulfillment, and the changing role of faith in contemporary Spanish society.
