The Bishop of Galway Brendan Kelly has addressed the controversy surrounding the so called "TikTok priest" Fr Michael King who is on indefinite leave after he allegedly posted controversial videos on the social media platform.
The 44-year-old’s videos allegedly featured innuendo and jokes about playing songs such as ACDC’s Highway to Hell at a funeral Mass.
In a statement to be read to parishioners in Gort, Co Galway, this weekend, Bishop Kelly refers to “upsetting information” which they may have heard regarding Fr King.
He said from Monday last, Fr King was on indefinite leave from all duties, and would be absent from the parish “for the foreseeable future”.
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He said priests from the local deanery area would arrange cover for Fr King’s duties “as best as they can”.
Bishop Kelly said that he fully understood that locals felt “hurt” and “let down” at this time.
“I wish to assure you that Fr King is receiving all the help and support that he requires. I ask that you join with me in praying for him. Thank you for listening and may God bless you and your families.”
Fr King was ordained five years ago. Prior to being placed on leave he was a curate in Gort.
Before he decided to enter the priesthood the Renmore native was an amateur actor and bar man in a number of Galway nightclubs and bars.
At the time of his ordination he told The Irish Times that he had worked for a period in Dubai before studying for the priesthood.
He said that he was the youngest of six children and had “wanted this day [his ordination day] for a long time.” His first Mass was celebrated at the Church of St Oliver Plunkett in Renmore.