Video: Dancing priests fight it out in tap-dance battle

The video of Reverend David Rider and Reverend John Gibson has been viewed by over 600,000 Youtube users so far

Despite its viral success, there has been been criticism by some saying the battle was disrespectful (Youtube)

Two American priests have become internet sensations after a video of them having a tap-dance battle went viral.

The video shows Reverend David Rider, 29, of New York and Reverend John Gibson, 28, from Milwaukee, displaying their tapping talents during a fundraiser at the North American College, an American seminary in Rome, near the Vatican in April this year.

The start of the video sees Rider get on top of a piano as a choir sings in front of him.

When the singing stops, Rider bursts into life, performing a fleet footed routine to the amazement of the audience.

The video was recorded and uploaded by journalist Joan Lewis in April, and she says she has been amazed with how popular it has become.

She told the Associated Press: "All of a sudden the numbers started rising and rising."

Despite its viral success, the video, which at the last count had been viewed by 622,000 Youtube users, has not come without its share of criticism.

There have been a number of comments from religious internet users saying that the priests’ decision to dance under a crucifix and beneath the painting of Pope Francis was “disrespectful.”

Reacting to the criticism, Rider said: "We would just refer them to the Bible, where the Lord tells us to live with joy."