McVerry criticises Vatican censure of D'Arcy

A Catholic priest is calling the censure of Father Brian D'Arcy by the Vatican "completely unacceptable".

Father D'Arcy is well known for expressing views contrary to the Church's teachings and is a regular contributor to TV and radio programmes.

In a statement yesterday, Father D'Arcy confirmed that his writings on morality have been screened for over a year now by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which oversees Catholic Church doctrine.

Father Peter McVerry - who has worked with Dublin's homeless for the past 30 years - said that unfortunately, such measures are becoming commonplace.

"I was saddened, but I wasn't shocked," Fr McVerry said.

"It's become expected now that anybody who dissents from what Rome says is going to be silenced.

"It's par for the course, but I find it totally and absolutely unacceptable.!