On Thursday evening, videos circulated online of a man in clerical garb being challenged by self-styled ‘paedophile hunters’.
The man, aged in his 50s, was then arrested outside a hotel in the Derry area.
In a new statement, the PSNI confirmed he has been charged with attempted sexual communication with a child.
He is due to appear before a special sitting of Derry Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, sitting at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police in Derry have charged a 58-year-old man with attempted sexual communication with a child.
"As is usual procedure, the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”
On Thursday, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Derry said: “The Diocese of Derry is aware of an incident outside a hotel in Derry city involving a priest of this diocese.
“The diocese knows that a video of the incident has been posted online and we understand the PSNI have been involved.
“Currently, the diocese has no further information.”
The Diocese of Derry serves the Catholic congregation of 51 parishes across almost all of Co Derry, parts of Co Tyrone and Co Donegal, and a small area across the River Bann in Co Antrim.