The priest had no business owning a pistol that he did not know how to use. If the bad guy gets your weapon - it’s your fault.
He was so severely beaten with a tire iron that his fingers were virtually destroyed as he tried to prevent the assailant from bashing his head in. He was only partially successful in protecting his head - he was admitted to hospital in critical condition - and his hands were so damaged that he could not physically pull the trigger.
There are no guarantees in trying to contend with subhuman vermin.
Why don't you rethink your comment in light of the facts and quit blaming the victim.