His interview with a deacon sent out shockwaves a few weeks back, when it went viral and popped up on YouTube.

Now, the priest has apologized — and saved his job:

The Rev. Joseph Breen had a choice.

Retract and apologize for his statements criticizing Roman Catholic teaching on birth control and married priests and claiming that Catholics can ignore the pope.

Or face being forced from his parish.

On Friday the Diocese of Nashville announced that Breen, longtime pastor of St. Edward Catholic Church on Thompson Lane, has withdrawn his statements and apologized. He also announced plans to retire at the end of 2011.

Breen, 75, wrote letters of apology to the pope and to members of his parish. He also agreed not to repeat his claims in public settings or media interviews.

You can read more at the link.