In Rome, Italy a man is planning to undergo sex reassignment surgery so he can become a nun.

According to the ANSA news agency, the 45-year-old- gay man’s plan has not been supported or backed by the Catholic Church.

“I talked about my wish with a priest but I was misunderstood. A conversation with a bishop was even worse,” the man told the Italian news agency.

The man, whose name was not included in the ANSA report, is said to be quitting his job in May and moving from his hometown to Northern Europe to undergo the operation.

Massimo Carletti, a spokesman for CasaPound, a social justice organization, said, “All men and women should be equal and have equal opportunities.”

“He is determined to [achieve his dream] and we will help him,” Carletti said.