A Catholic priest in Pennsylvania has admitted to misusing $40,000 (£30,080) in parish funds to support an addiction to online games.

These games included Mario Kart and Candy Crush, as reported by Mail Online.

Father Lawrence Kozak, 52, formerly of St Thomas More Church in Pottstown, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 80 hours of community service, avoiding jail time.

The funds, spent on virtual “power-ups” and other game-related purchases, were charged to a parish credit card.

Kozak also used church money to buy gifts for his niece, including a chemistry set and an Amazon Fire tablet.

His actions came to light after a 2022 financial review.

“I allowed my playing of games to get away from me, and due to lack of attentiveness, failed in my responsibility to be vigilant over the administrative part of my responsibilities,” Kozak told the court.

“I am deeply sorry for the pain and difficulty that was caused to the parishioners of St Thomas More.”

The priest, who cited pandemic stress, personal loss, and health issues as contributing factors, has reportedly begun counselling.

He has been ordered to repay the funds and is permanently barred from any financial responsibilities within the Church.

Placed on administrative leave in 2022, Kozak is also under canonical investigation.

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia confirmed that he has had no ministry role since that time.

However, advocacy group Catholics4Change dismissed his courtroom apology as “hollow", arguing that accountability should also extend to those who promoted him to leadership.