A Catholic pastor in Texas was stabbed while dining at a restaurant by a man who allegedly told police he believed the priest mocked him during confession.

Jairo Sandoval-Pliego, a pastor at San Jose Catholic Church in Austin, was injured during the attack at Bob's Steak and Chop House in downtown Austin on 27 June.

Police have charged 45-year-old Edward Koubek with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to court documents, Koubek told investigators he had attended Sandoval-Pliego's church since 2018 and occasionally went to confession there.

Koubek told police he believed Sandoval-Pliego "would snicker" after hearing his confessions, Fox 7 reported.

When he saw the priest at the restaurant, Koubek said it upset him because "he is still holding a grudge" against Sandoval-Pliego.

Austin Police were called to the restaurant at around 10:30pm following multiple reports of a stabbing.

When officers arrived, they found Sandoval-Pliego bleeding from a wound to his neck. An officer provided emergency aid before the priest was taken to hospital for treatment.

A couple dining with Sandoval-Pliego told police that Koubek had approached their table earlier in the evening and said he recognised the priest from church.

As the meal was ending, witnesses said Koubek returned to the table. They initially believed he was approaching to say goodbye, but later realised he was attacking Sandoval-Pliego.

Police said Koubek was later found in a closed room inside the restaurant with blood on his hands and clothing. He was detained without incident.

Sandoval-Pliego told officers that Koubek had previously attended the church to pray, but that he had not seen him for several months. He described their interaction that evening as polite and said the attack was unprovoked.

According to hospital staff, the priest suffered between four and six stab wounds to his back and shoulder area. Medical staff told police that, without treatment, the injuries could have proved fatal.

During a police interview, Koubek allegedly admitted taking a knife from the restaurant kitchen and pacing back and forth for 10 to 15 minutes before the attack.

When asked what his intention had been, court documents state that Koubek replied: "in the moment, to kill him."

A judge set bail at $18,000 and ordered Koubek to have no contact with Sandoval-Pliego and to stay away from both the church and the restaurant.