A Catholic priest has been charged with sexually abusing a member of staff on board a Carnival cruise ship.
Father Amal Samy, 37, a US priest, is accused of repeatedly attempting to touch a masseuse and exposing himself during a spa treatment.
In a statement, the church said: "The Archdiocese of Mobile learned last week of the allegation against Father Amal Samy, who denies the allegation.
"The Archdiocese takes all such allegations seriously. It is our policy not to comment on pending legal matters."
The incident took place on board the Carnival Fantasy during a cruise in August.
