The Diocese of Kerry has apologised after a visiting missionary priest told a congregation that autism was caused by ‘evil demons’.
The priest made the comments during a parish mission in Boherbue in North Cork.
The Irish Times reports that the missioner, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal which is based in Limerick, gave the talk on February 28th.
Boherbue is in the Diocese of Kerry.
The diocese says it apologises to anyone who may have been hurt by the comment and said the reference to autism had been intended as an illustrative example but was poorly expressed and inappropriate.
A diocesan spokesperson says it was acknowledged that the comment was not appropriate, and a sincere apology was offered at the time for any hurt or offence caused.
The Diocese of Kerry says there was no intention to cause offence or to diminish the experience of individuals with autism or their families.
The diocese says the missioner deeply regrets that the remark caused upset.
