The Diocese of Kerry has apologised after a visiting priest told a church service in Cork that autism is caused by “evil demons”.

The comment is reported to have been made by a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal based in Limerick, who was giving a talk at a mass in February.

A member of the congregation at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Kiskeam told The Irish Times that “people were just shocked that he would say such a thing.”

Another member of the Order apologised for the comments the next day, during a mass at a neighbouring church.

In a statement the Diocese of Kerry said the remark had been “poorly expressed and inappropriate” and apologised for “any hurt or offence caused.”

It added that the friar deeply regretted making the remark and said there had been no intention to cause offence or diminish the experience of individuals with autism, or that of their families.