Pope Francis has refused to be drawn on the controversial comments by a retired priest who claimed homosexuality is a sin.
A Vatican spokesperson for the Pope today declined to offer a direct response to claims made during Mass in Co Kerry by Fr Sean Sheehy.
Instead, the Vatican told the Irish Mirror to contact the Archbishop of Armagh, who is the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
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When contacted, the Vatican spokesperson said: “Contact the Irish Episcopal Conference and His Excellency Monsignor Martin Eamon, [who is] president of the Irish Episcopal Conference and [also the] Archbishop of Armagh.”
Archbishop Martin’s spokesperson has been contacted for a response.
Fr Sheehy’s "rampant sin" rant was made at St Mary's Church in Listowel on Sunday, October 31. His criticism of homosexuality and abortion legislation angered parishioners who left Mass in protest and the LGBT community, including Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.
When an estimated 30 people stormed out of the Mass, Fr Sheehy called after them. He said: "Those of you who happen to be leaving today, God help you, is all I have to say.”
He claimed “sin is destructive [and] sin is detrimental and sin will lead us to hell.” He added: “There are people who won’t like to hear what I am saying, but the day you die, you will find out what I am saying is not what I invented.
“It is not what I came up with, it’s what God is saying and the day you die you will find out that’s the truth.”
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Fr Sheehy’s Bishop Ray Browne apologised for the comments, stating on the Diocese of Kerry’s website: “I am aware of the deep upset and hurt caused by the contents.
“I apologise to all who were offended.”
Fr Sheehy repeated his comments days later, telling Newstalk Radio: “Homosexual sexual relationships are sinful.”
A spokesperson for Minister Varadkar said: “He profoundly disagrees with Fr Sheehy's views.”
He added: "The Tánaiste does not believe that gay people will go to hell for being who they are.”
