Married priests Archives

Retired pope wants his name removed as co-author of book on celibacy

Jan 14, 2020

At the request of retired Pope Benedict XVI, his name will be removed as co-author of a book defending priestly celibacy, said Cardinal Robert Sarah, the Vatican official who coordinated work on the book.

By Cindy Wooden

Cardinal denies he manipulated retired pope on celibacy book

Jan 14, 2020

The Vatican cardinal who co-authored a bombshell book with Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI reaffirming priestly celibacy on Tuesday strongly denied he manipulated the retired pope into publishing.

By Nicole Winfield

New celibacy kerfuffle sparks debate over role of pope emeritus

Jan 14, 2020

New comments by retired Pope Benedict XVI backing clerical celibacy while Pope Francis considers making an exception to the rule in the Amazon has prompted widespread debate, with many calling for clarification on the role of a pope emeritus.

By Elise Harris

Benedict is defending celibacy from the media, not from Francis

Jan 13, 2020

In his new book, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI is agreeing with Pope Francis’s own stated position that “optional celibacy” for the priesthood is not on the table.

By Charles Collins

Pope Benedict XVI breaks silence to reaffirm priest celibacy

Jan 13, 2020

Retired Pope Benedict XVI has broken his silence to reaffirm the “necessity” of priestly celibacy, co-authoring a bombshell book at the precise moment that Pope Francis is weighing whether to allow married men to be ordained to address the Catholic priest shortage.

By Nicole Winfield

New survey weighs Church employees’ reaction to abuse scandals

Nov 26, 2019

After more than a year of media headlines dominated by Catholic sexual abuse scandals, NBC News has conducted a new survey with insiders in the Catholic Church showing most believe the crisis has been handled well by their dioceses, and that abuse is no more common in the Church than in other organizations.

By Elise Harris