Pope Francis: Priestly Celibacy A ‘Temporal’ Discipline, Not An Eternal Dictate

Correction: An earlier version of this story mistranslated Pope Francis’ remark. He was referring specifically to a “temporal” Tradition is not an exception “temporary” tradition. 

Pope Francis indicated in a new interview, that the Catholic Church in West might theoretically consider lifting the ban on priests marring. This is known as the “tradition of celibacy” for priests. “temporal” Instead of an eternal command, discipline is preferable.

The Code of Canon Law of Catholic Church provides the following: “Clerics are obliged to observe perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, and are therefore bound to celibacy. Celibacy is a special gift of God by which sacred ministers can more easily remain close to Christ with an undivided heart, and can dedicate themselves more freely to the service of God and their neighbor.”

This “temporal” The Pope described tradition as “tradition” during an interview with Infobae in Argentina. It was passed down over the centuries by the Latin Rite to all ordained clergy. Celibacy was an option for priests in the Eastern Rites. However, it is still an option. Obligatory for Bishops and Monks.

“There is no contradiction for a priest to marry,” Francis, aged 86, shared his story with reporters. “Celibacy in the western Church is a temporal prescription. I do not know if it is settled in one way or another, but it is temporal in this sense. … It is not eternal like priestly ordination, which is forever whether you like it or not. Whether you leave … is another matter, but (priesthood) is forever. Celibacy, on the other hand, is a discipline.“

Francis, when asked if the Latin Rite could revisit the celibacy obligation, referred to the Eastern Church, declaring that “Yes, yes, In fact, everyone in the Eastern Church is married, or those who want to. There they make a choice. Before ordination there is the choice to marry or to be celibate,” According to a Transcript Infobae provides Spanish translations.

In 2019, Francis Offer This is a slightly different explanation of priestly celibacy. It asserts, “Personally, I think that celibacy is a gift to the Church. I would say that I do not agree with allowing optional celibacy, no.” Francis stated that exceptions could be made in Latin rite for married clergy, but Francis did not rule out the possibility. “when there is a pastoral necessity” (as in case of the Pope Benedict XVI establishes Anglican Ordinariate), He also quoted Pope Paul VI as saying: “I prefer to give my life before changing the law of celibacy.”

The Synod of Elvira made this declaration as early as 1,800 years back. “It is decided that marriage be altogether prohibited to bishops, priests, and deacons, or to all clerics placed in the ministry, and that they keep away from their wives and not beget children; whoever does this shall be deprived of the honor of the clerical office.”

“From Pope Francis: Priestly Celibacy A ‘Temporal’ Discipline, Not An Eternal Dictate“

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