Catholic priest caught snorting cocaine amid Nazi memorabilia

A Catholic priest is caught on video snorting what appears to be cocaine in a room with Nazi memorabilia.

The video of Father Stephen Crossan, 37, was taken at what was then his parish home in Northern Ireland after a “two-day bender” in July 2015, the Sun on Sunday reported.

Crossan told the newspaper that he is not a Nazi and that he collected historical items from around the world. He confirmed that he is using drugs in the video but said, “It was just the one night and that was it. I do not have an issue with drugs.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6QPiIbUGAU

Crossan told the newspaper he had been on sick leave with depression at the time and had since left the church but was being supported by the parish. In his statement, the bishop of Dromore, John McAreavey, said Crossan had been granted leave from his pastoral duties in May 2015. He said the priest had been receiving counseling and was considering his future.

At the start of February 2016, McAreavey said, Crossan had asked for an extended leave of absence from the priesthood. The bishop said he was concerned for Crossan’s health.

— JTA