Married priests Archives

Pope Francis signals openness to ordaining married men

Global Church
March 8, 2017

In a new interview with a German newspaper, Pope Francis addresses the issue of married priests, saying simply making celibacy optional is ‘not a solution’ but signaling openness to the idea of ordaining the ‘viri probati,’ or tested married men.

Mulling the practical pros and cons of married priests

Commentary
January 5, 2017

There are plenty of historical and theological arguments for and against married priests, but few stop to consider the practical pros and cons. Yet Catholicism already has married priests, and here one of them shares his experience.

Pope finishes Friday mercy cycle with visit to married ex priests

Catholic News Service
November 11, 2016

Completing his year of ‘Mercy Fridays’, Pope Francis chose to visit former priests and their families, in order to give a sign that the Church does not judge people but embraces all, especially those who suffer.

New Belgian cardinal poised to be key papal ally in Europe

Cardinals, Global Church
October 11, 2016

Archbishop Jozef de Kesel of Brussels in Belgium one of Pope Francis’s new cardinals, in many ways attracts the same dynamics as the pontiff himself — great acclaim in progressive and secular circles but ambivalence among some insiders, who worry about where dialogue ends and capitulation begins.

Next Synod of Bishops to focus on youth and vocations

Vatican
October 6, 2016

After two contentious Synods of Bishops on the family in 2014 and 2015, the next summit of prelates convened by Pope Francis, scheduled to meet in October 2018, will consider the theme of “Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment.”

Next synod likely to focus on ordaining married men

Analysis, Global Church
August 12, 2016

In response to acute priest shortages around the world, Pope Francis may well decide that his next Synod of Bishops should focus on ministry — including the question of whether married men could be ordained to celebrate the sacraments, in effect creating a parallel priesthood.