Stock photograph: Bryan O'BrienThe Diocese of Kerry has apologised after a visiting missionary priest told people attending a mission Mass in one of its parishes in Co Cork that autism was caused by “evil demons”. One mass-goer told The Irish Times that people in the congregation on February 28th were taken aback when the priest said “autism is caused by evil demons”. The Franciscan Friars of Renewal, founded in the South Bronx in 1987 and based in Moyross in Limerick city, did not respond when contacted for comment. The Diocese of Kerry issued a statement in which it confirmed that a reference had been made to autism by a priest celebrating Mass. “The missioner deeply regrets that the remark caused upset, and we again apologise to anyone who may have been hurt by it.”

Source: The Irish Times March 25, 2026 20:47 UTC