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MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (CBS) ― Parishioners at a Florida church are standing behind their former priest, despite more than two dozen photos of him in a celebrity TV magazine that show him kissing and caressing a brunette on the beach -- and putting his hand down her bathing suit and touching her buttocks.

Some 25 provocative photographs of popular priest Alberto Cutie appear in the magazine, "TV NOTAS," which started to go on sale at some Navarro Pharmacies for $3.29 and will be widely circulated on Thursday. In the photos, an unidentified brunette is seen in sexually-suggestive poses and is seen pulling off her shirt.

Cutie has been seen worldwide on Spanish-language TV shows and has been the voice of Radio Paz and Radio Peace in Miami. But he was quickly relieved of his duties on Tuesday running his Catholic church and the Catholic radio station of the Archdiocese of Miami, reports CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami.

Near the church at 6th St. and Lennox Ave., several parishioners played a game of dominos and scoffed at what the Archdiocese of Miami found to be very disturbing.

"He's a very good man, a very good man, that's it," said Orestes Molina. "I don't care how many ladies he has."

"I just don't care about these photos," said Molina. "It's my opinion. How much did he sell these pictures for?"

"For me, I believe in Father Cutie," said another parishioner, Magdalena Olivera. "It could be him in the pictures, but I believe in him. Like Jesus said, that's nothing. He's a good priest. He worked hard for the young people. How come they're not coming back right now to show their support?"

As she spoke, one demonstrator showed up at the church with a sign in opposition to Cutie. Her sign said, "Father Cutie. You're a disgrace to the church." She was in the minority. Supporters plan to hold a rally for Cutie Thursday, reports WFOR.

For the second day in a row, employees at the parish office told us they had not seen Cutie and said he had not returned to his apartment on the property. One secretary was seen removing items from his apartment and putting them in a car.

The identity of the woman in the photos is still a mystery. However, WFOR has learned the identity of the photographer but is not naming him at this point. That station spoke with someone very close to him and requested an interview. She said that they would get back to us with an answer.

The photos of Cutie did raise a question: did Cutie, who was ordained as a priest in 1995, break his church-cherished vow of celibacy?

On Tuesday, Archdiocese spokeswoman Mary Ross Agosta said Cutie would no longer be administrator of the St. Francis de Sales parish on Miami Beach and will no longer the Catholic radio station, Radio Peace and Radio Paz. "He's on a prayerful journey," said Ross Agosta. "He's still a priest, but he is on leave." She said Cutie's future is not clear.

She said Cutie had been traveling and would now "do what he had to do." She said a new administrator is being named for the church and said Father Jose Hernando would now run the catholic radio station.

Since 1998, Father Cutie has hosted several Spanish-language talk shows and programs. He's been seen in 24 million homes in 22 countries. He writes a syndicated newspaper advice column called "Advice from a friend." He's been dubbed "Father Oprah" by his fans. He also was published. His book is "Real Life, Real Love, 7 paths to a strong and lasting relationship." He is the son of Cuban parents. He grew up in Miami and attended Southwest High School.

On Tuesday, Archbishop John Favalora said: "I am deeply saddened by the news surrounding Father Cutie. I apologize on behalf of the church in Miami to the parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Parish, where he serves as administrator, to the listeners and supporters of Radio Paz and Radio Peace and to the entire Archdiocese."

"Father Cutie made a promise of celibacy and all priests are expected to fulfill that promise with the help of God. Father Cutie's actions can not be condoned despite the good works he has done as priest."

Father Cutie released his own statement on Tuesday, saying: "Before God full of love and mercy, I ask the forgiveness of those who may be hurt or saddened by my actions. The commitment I made to serve God will remain intact. I am grateful for the love and support I have received from so many in our community."

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