A diocese in the South East has moved to address the problem of a lack of priests.
The diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is introducing Romanian priests to assist in parish duties from next month.
Romania currently has a surplus of priests as Catholics only account for 5% of its population.
The move follows a visit to an east Romanian diocese by the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty.
Kildare and Leighlin diocese covers all of County Carlow along with parts of six other counties including Wexford, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Kildare, Laois and Offaly.
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