His Holiness Pope Francis has said he opposes making priestly celibacy optional, however he may consider allowing married men to be ordained priests in remote areas. Speaking to journalists on the flight back from World Youth Day, the Pontiff said he would not allow optional celibacy in the Latin Church in a way similar to the practice of the Eastern Catholic churches.
As reported by Vatican news, “In the Eastern rite, they can do it. They make the choice between celibacy or marriage before they’re ordained into the diaconate,” His Holiness said. “When it comes to the Latin rite, a phrase said by St. Paul VI comes to mind: ‘I would rather give my life than change the law on celibacy.’” The Pontiff said he personally believes that “celibacy is gift to the Church” and that while the prospect of married priests could one day be considered in remote areas that lack priests, he did not agree “with allowing optional celibacy.”
“My decision is: no optional celibacy,” the Pontiff said. “I will not do this. I don’t feel like I could stand before God with this decision.”
