Pope Francis has suggested that the Catholic Church could greenlight a review of its 1,000-year-old celibacy tradition. In a wide-ranging interview the Pope said the union of a priest and a woman is not in conflict with religion. He described the 11-century-old ban as a “temporary description” and said there was no “contradiction” for a priest to marry.
“It is not eternal like priestly ordination, which is forever, whether you like it or not. On the other hand, celibacy is a discipline.”
The Roman Catholic Church only made celibacy a necessity in the 11th century because clerics without children were more likely to favour riches over the Church.
Pope Francis said that the Vatican will reconsider the practice when requested, citing the Eastern Church as an example.
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