Conor McGregor has revealed that his wedding to Dee Devlin was moved after a last-minute request from the Vatican.
The former MMA fighter, 37, tied the knot with his long-time partner, 38, in a secret ceremony at the Chiesa di Santo Stefano degli Abissini, a small church located just behind St Peter’s Basilica, on December 12.
It had originally been scheduled for a later date, but McGregor has now shared details about why it was brought forward – and described the timing as part of a ‘divine orchestration’.
‘I married the love of my life, Dee, on the 12th of the 12th at exactly 12:12pm. We wed in the Chapel of Santo Stefano degli Abissini — the Vatican’s oldest church,’ McGregor said.
‘The date was precisely 151 days after my birthday. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ — His name adds up to 151 in gematria. As does my own. Jesus Christ = 151. Conor McGregor = 151.
‘These divine alignments, the wedding on 12/12 at exactly 12:12pm in the Vatican’s oldest church, exactly 151 days after my birthday, tying into the numerology of my name matching that of Jesus Christ, and even the connection to Psalm 151 (a powerful, personal testament of David’s journey and victory through faith) are unmistakable signs of divine orchestration that I had no idea about.
Conor McGregor has revealed how his wedding was moved after a request from the Vatican
McGregor tied the knot with his long-time partner Dee Devlin near the Vatican on December 12
The ceremony was held at Chiesa di Santo Stefano degli Abissini – behind St Peter’s Basilica
‘The exact 12:12pm timing was not my plan at all. A letter from the Vatican arrived just a week prior, requiring the ceremony to be moved earlier.’
McGregor also said he awoke from treatment he underwent in Mexico with ‘the most intense need to wed Dee, on this day, and in the Vatican.’
The 37-year-old revealed in November that he experienced visions of his own death and met Jesus during a hallucinogenic treatment intended to address trauma in Tijuana.
Insiders previously told how their preferred venue, the Sistine Chapel, was not an option as Vatican rules prohibit weddings there.
‘It is clear this was not coincidence,’ McGregor said about the details of his wedding to Dee.
‘God’s hand guided every detail, confirming His blessing on our union and His presence in my life. Serving God is my number one priority. Then my wife. Then my children. Then my parents. I love You, God.
‘I love you, Dee McGregor. I love you, Conor Jr., Croía, Rían, Mack. I love you, Mam and Dad. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU GOD.’
Details of the wedding, until now, had largely been kept under wraps.
The Daily Mail revealed footage of McGregor and his wife sharing their first dance to the Mariah Carey song Dreamlover, while the couple were also spotted being driven through Rome in a white 1930s Rolls Royce Phantom III adorned with flowers and ribbons.
The ex-MMA fighter could be seen enjoying a cigar on the dancefloor during his wedding party
Both newlyweds appeared beaming as they were whisked through the streets, with McGregor wearing a black tuxedo complete with a waistcoat and bow tie.
Devlin opted for a white lace dress, small diamond earrings and her hair styled in an updo.
Celebrations continued well into the night, with the couple seen enjoying a lavish party featuring a live band and a roll-your-own cigar station.
Dee, who has four children with McGregor, has stood by him after a civil court case where a jury found he sexually assaulted Nikita Hand. McGregor had denied the allegation and claimed the encounter was consensual, but the court rejected his account.
After last year’s case, Ms Devlin wrote: ‘Conor and I dealt with these issues privately many years ago, as should be done in a relationship, and we have come out stronger than ever.
‘We have four beautiful children now whose smiling faces and happy hearts are a testament to who he is and who we are!’
McGregor was also accused of cheating on Dee last July when he was pictured kissing a mystery brunette in Florida, as well as allegedly sending nude pictures to rapper Azealia Banks.
McGregor also announced his intention to run for the presidency in Ireland in last year. However, he failed to secure enough support to appear on the ballot and ended his bid in September.