The Catholic Church has called for the Gardaí to investigate images that reportedly show a man in priest robes performing a sex act on the altar of an Irish church.

Many senior clerics including bishops have been made aware of the images and a full investigation is expected to follow.

A source who wishes to remain anonymous and has access to the images described them as “an abomination”.

The images show two men engaged in sexual activity in what appears to be the altar of a small country church.

There is no indication that the act was not consensual but they have been described as “deeply sacrilegious” in their depiction of a priest.

If an investigation is launched, it will examine the accuracy of the images and it will see an inspection of the church where the incident allegedly took place.

The source told the Belfast Telegraph:

“The photographs depict something that appears somewhat Satanic.”

He called for “some sort of an exorcism at that church”.

He also questioned how many people had received communion at the altar of the parish church since its violation, or had been confirmed, buried or married from it.

He urged the bishop of the diocese to launch an investigation to determine whether the man in religious vestments is actually a priest.

The church in question declined to comment on whether the church had been reconsecrated since the events took place.

This investigation will likely coincide with the papal visit, which is expected to be a celebration of family. The Church is under further scrutiny for its attitudes toward same-sex couples in the run-up to the World Meeting of Families, and its position in the upcoming referendum on the eighth amendment.