Cork priest apologises if Covid vaccine remarks 'caused offence or confusion'

Fr Ted Sheehan of Glounthaune "expressed personal views on the vaccination programme" said a statement issued by Bishop Fintan Gavin

Speaking from the altar at 10am Mass on Sunday, Fr Sheehan of Glounthaune claimed the Bishops of Ireland said that church personnel "should promote the taking of the vaccine". Picture: Denis Minihane.

A parish priest in Cork has said he "expressed personal views on the vaccination programme" when he told his parishioners to "act with great caution" when it comes to taking the Covid-19 vaccine at Mass on Sunday morning.

In a statement issued by the Diocese of Cork and Ross on behalf of Bishop Fintan Gavin, Fr Ted Sheehan of Glounthaune said he apologises if his remarks "caused offence or may cause confusion about the Catholic teaching" on the vaccination programme for Covid-19.