Social media users have protested that the Church acted against the spirit of the Pope's "Year of Mercy" by suspending the now-famous hoverboard priest.

After the video of Father Falbert San Jose went viral with many millions of views on YouTube, Facebook and other social media, the Philippine Diocese of San Pablo said the priest was sorry for his actions and had been suspended from the parish to allow "time to reflect".

Critics complained of disrespect for the Mass and demanded reparation.

Father San Jose, parish priest of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Biñan, has so far declined to comment on his decision to sing a Christmas song while riding a hoverboard that had been a gift to the parish, just before the blessing at the end of Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. But there was growing support for him on social media today. 

One tweeter, Allison Booker, deputy high commissioner for the Bahamas in London, tweeted:

The current Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy began earlier this month as part of the mission of Pope Francis to emphasise God's forgiveness and mercy.

CNN headlined it: They see him rollin'... They hatin':

Classy Catholic said:

Professional comic Tiernan Douieb tweeted: