A priest has been suspended by Catholic church officials after revealing that he is to wed a woman he claims is the reincarnation of the Holy Ghost.

French exorcist Father Antoine Coelho claims the woman has been reborn as the human form of the Holy Ghost from Christianity’s Holy Trinity.

The 26-year-old Spanish woman, has not been named but is said to be from the north-eastern Spanish city of Barcelona.

Coelho, who has reportedly performed a number of exorcisms in the past, was suspended by Monseigneur Dominique Rey, the Bishop of Frejus-Toulon, in the Var department in south-eastern France, on 14th March.

An association he runs called ‘La Maison de l’Esprit Saint’ (‘The Holy Spirit House’), has also been dissolved.

A statement from the dioceses issued on 16th March confirmed his suspension.

Monseigneur Rey told French media: “He made a personal choice. We can only make note of his decision and regret it.”

He added that he was “very surprised” when he found out that one of his priests wanted to marry.

Coelho – a priest for 15 years – has reportedly said that he wants to start a family, despite his church vow of celibacy.

Monseigneur Rey said: “This is a situation that was not very consistent with what is expected of a priest. This is a slipup that has deeply hurt many people.”

But Coelho has not yet been defrocked entirely, with the Bishop adding: “For the moment, he now has the status of priest without a ministry.”

Father Coelho can now challenge the decision and ask to be heard by Rome.