In a recent interview, Pope Francis suggested that the principal of priestly celibacy – the requirement that all priests in the Catholic Church remain unmarried and abstain from
sex – could be just a “for now" kind of thing, not necessarily forever.
"There is no contradiction for a priest to marry,” Pope Francis said. “Celibacy in the western Church is a temporary prescription. It is not eternal like priestly ordination, which is forever whether you like it or not. On the other hand, celibacy is a discipline."
The pope's comments have led to speculation that this nearly thousand-year-old practice could be coming to an end.
They've also sparked
renewed dialogue about clergy celibacy, its history, and Pope Francis’ own perceived progressive leanings.
Clergy celibacy dates back to the 11th century, and is one of the Catholic Church’s most well-known and celebrated traditions.
The most important figure in the Catholic world suggesting it might not be permanent has sent shockwaves through religious circles.
Curiously, this announcement seemingly flies in the face of comments made by Pope Francis just a few years ago on
this very same subject...Read More
