Msgr Edward Arsenault admitted stealing tens of thousands of dollars from Manchester diocese, a Catholic hospital and the estate of a dead priest.

He was order him to repay the $185,000 he stole and to pay restitution, for a total of about $300,000.

Prosecutors confirmed that he had a consensual sexual relationship with an adult male, for whom he bought expensive meals, trips and medication, among other things.

Msgr Arsenault apologised to the priests and lay people of his diocese.

He is on administrative leave and cannot perform his priestly functions in public.

Diocesan officials have begun the process for his laicisation by the Vatican.

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