Is priestly celibacy a choice or an imposition? Can it really be discussed?

Today we want to talk to you about an interview given by Pope Francis to the director of TG1 where he was asked whether becoming a priest also presupposes g.

Il priestly celibacy has been established since XNUMXth century about. Over time it has become a need linked to the complexity of the priestly ministry. Beyond the theological and spiritual motivations, there are also some practical nature therefore a priest is called to love and give himself totally to all the flock entrusted to him.

A priest practices 24 hours a day 7 days a week and during breaks he rests and dedicates a few minutes to himself before going to sleep and start again the next day to be at the service of the faithful.

This life and these commitments he can hardly manage get married with the needs and rhythms of an average family.

Priestly celibacy: imposition or choice?

In the Catholic church there are also other figures, i Permanent deacons, that is, instituted ministers who help priests in works of charity and preaching and can preside over some liturgical celebrations, such as funerals, weddings, baptisms, giving blessings to homes and people. But they cannot administer the sacraments like theEucharist, Confession and Holy Oil, Confirmation.

Deacons therefore do a lot, but certainly less than priests. These people they are married and obviously they work to provide for themselves and their families. For many of them this is not easy. Finding time for work, family and parish really becomes very challenging. Imagine having to add all the other tasks that pertain to the priest! Furthermore what currently earns an average priest is enough to support himself but certainly not a family.

In summary, the Church does not impose celibacy. Accepting celibacy when called to the priesthood is a vocation within a vocation. Given the lack of time and the impossibility of building a family even for a economic factor, when you choose the priesthood you also choose celibacy.