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The order representing a priest that compared gay people to infected zombies has said it “deeply regrets” the comments.

Fr Tom Forde was blasted for the slur he delivered during his homily at a Kilkenny mass last weekend.

Speaking on behalf of the Irish Capuchin Friars, Brother Sean Kelly said: “This homily, which had been published as a blog, is no longer posted online.

“On reflection, Fr Tom removed the blog as it was not his intention to cause hurt to anyone.

“The Capuchin Order wishes to state that all are welcome in our churches, irrespective of sexual orientation.

“Unfortunate comments were made about homosexuality last Saturday, which gay people would have found hurtful, and we deeply regret this.

“When asked about gay people, Pope Francis has said, ‘Who am I to judge?’ And speaking to a gay man at an audience in the Vatican he said: ‘God made you like this and he loves you’.

“We support Pope Francis in his comments on gay people and we will continue to be guided by him and by our own Mission Statement, which states that ‘we affirm that our fraternities will be places of prayer, hospitality and outreach to all.”

In a two page speech to a congregation at the Friary in Kilkenny, Brother Tom Forde suggested those who believe in contraception and abortion are “morally rotten.”

The former University College Cork chaplain said although he knows Zombies are not real he believes people can be “physically alive but spiritually dead, morally rotten or at least infected.”

He said this is evident in people “when the mask slips” including those who have sex before marriage, those who are pro-abortion and believe in contraception.

He added: “In the zombie genre once you’re bitten you’re infected and there’s no hope.

“The only way to deal with monsters is to stab or shoot them in the brain.”

(Image: E+)

The homily was met with backlash and it is understood a number of people left during the service.

Fr Forde continued to say that being obedient to Christ was the only cure for those “infected.”

Reacting to the story, Irish Mirror reader Ann Kelly said: “I am so sorry this priest thinks this way.

“I often attended mass in the Friary and I know his views are not those held by all the other good Christian Friars.

“My understanding of the Christian faith is that it includes all people.

“Please do not condemn good people because they do not share your views. Sad sad day for the Friary in Kilkenny.”