priestly celibacy Archives - Catholic Herald

priestly celibacy

In the face of calls to abolish, the Church must remember clerical celibacy is a gift from God

January 17, 2024

There are many angles from which to analyse clerical celibacy today and the suggestions by some that it’s high time to end the practice. I would like to focus on two: its history and a personal reflection. The Catholic Church sometimes remembers aspects of its tradition which have fallen into disuse – such as her

Will demand grow to end celibacy, as Pope signals zero tolerance on abuse?

September 06, 2022

Pope Francis says he has taken personal responsibility to rid the Church of sexual abuse. He told CNN Portugal that he was “responsible that it doesn’t happen anymore.” In an interview in Rome, the Pontiff said the Church had “zero tolerance” for abuse, while “a priest cannot remain a priest if he is an abuser.”

Morning Catholic must-reads: 14/03/18

March 14, 2018

A daily guide to what's happening in the Catholic Church

Proposed synod on married priests ‘was voted down by Pope’s advisers’

October 06, 2016

The synod will instead focus on 'Young People, Faith, and Vocational Discernment'

The true history of celibacy

August 18, 2016

The debate on married priests is damaged by myth-making. History shows that married men, if ordained, had to live continently

The new push to end priestly celibacy

February 25, 2016

Those who want to overturn the ancient discipline are energetic, well organised and influential. But can they persuade Pope Francis to make such a radical change?

Catholic MPs urge Pope Francis to allow ordination of married men

March 27, 2013

Parliamentarians believe a change in rules would lead to growth of the priesthood

Cardinal O’Brien gives his backing to idea of married priests

February 22, 2013

Scotland's cardinal tells the BBC that clerical celibacy could, in principle, be re-considered