Can children be ordained to the ministry of priesthood?

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I know the Canon says a man must reach the age of 25, and the pope can dispense it to 24. But can, lets say, the pope ordain a 12 year old the way he ordains all his priest.

Would that little child be an ordained priest?
 
I don’t see why it wouldn’t technically be possible as long as he has reached the age of reason (for the record, 7). I think it would be highly imprudent, but I’m not sure if it’s impossible.
 
YoungTradCath said:
I don’t see why it wouldn’t technically be possible as long as he has reached the age of reason (for the record, 7). I think it would be highly imprudent, but I’m not sure if it’s impossible.
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Agreed. And while a twelve-year old is, developmentally speaking, far too young to be a priest, I would not call him a “little” child.
 
It could be possible, but I’ve never heard it done. And besides if he is that young he may not understnad fully what It means to be a Priest. 👍
 
Since the Pope is the “law-giver”, he can pretty much do whatever he wants.
So, if he feels that a 12 year old should be ordained, he will make it happen.
How any of us feel about it is really irrelevant.
 
Does Fisher Price make a Mass set for discerning and/or ordained kids?

:cool:
 
I think there is much wisdom in the Church ordaining men only >25…however, I do not think it is technically impossible at all.

Some sources say Benedict XI became pope at only age 11 (I know his was not a sterling pontificate either) and Pope John XII (also with a bad record, so to speak, though he never taught error) died at the age of 27, having been made Pope at only 18. Of course in the Middle Ages the average life expectancy was only about 35 I think (of course skewed by the infant mortality rate).

Interesting topic though. I agree with the above poster that, as far as I know about the Sacrament of Holy Orders itself, there would be nothing to preclude someone having reached the age of reason from being ordained, technically speaking.
 
BlindManWalking said:
Does Fisher Price make a Mass set for discerning and/or ordained kids?

:cool:
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That’s a great idea!

Back in the early 1960s, we kids played Mass all the time. Mom would set up the ironing board (same one I’m using tonight to iron Father’s albs), draping it with a sheet. Then we kids would take turns playing priest, using Ritz crackers for “communion.”
 
TevereNauta said:
Some sources say Benedict XI became pope at only age 11 (I know his was not a sterling pontificate either)
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You mean Benedict IX. Benedict XI was in his 60’s when he became pope and is a blessed in the Church.
 
Both of you busted me up laughing!!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::extrahappy::clapping:
Peggy_in_Burien said:
That’s a great idea!

Back in the early 1960s, we kids played Mass all the time. Mom would set up the ironing board (same one I’m using tonight to iron Father’s albs), draping it with a sheet. Then we kids would take turns playing priest, using Ritz crackers for “communion.”
Click to expand...
 
The Pope could ordain with dispensation any male that has reached the age of reason. It’s unlikely, but I know of no canon to prevent it, and, in any case, it is from the Pope the canons get their authority.
 
I was thinking about this topic in the context of the outbreak of a lethal worldwide plague which somehow only affected adults. The Church would have to ordain small children, not only as priests but also as bishops, in order to ensure her continued survival.
 
Bran_Stark said:
I was thinking about this topic in the context of the outbreak of a lethal worldwide plague which somehow only affected adults. The Church would have to ordain small children, not only as priests but also as bishops, in order to ensure her continued survival.
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It is a fascinating topic. I was talking to a friend the other day, and I’m by no means a theologian, but I realized as long as 1 bishop survived the Church would be able to continue (notwithstanding Christ’s promise of course, just hypothetically).
 
From The CODE of CANON LAW

Can. 1031 §1. The presbyterate is not to be conferred except on those who have completed the twenty-fifth year of age and possess sufficient maturity; an interval of at least six months is to be observed between the diaconate and the presbyterate. Those destined to the presbyterate are to be admitted to the order of deacon only after completing the twenty-third year of age.

vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P3Q.HTM

No exceptions are enshrined in Canon Law.
 
Yes, a twelve year old has reached the age of reason and so is capable, in the barest sense of the word, of receiving the sacrament of orders. The ordination would be valid, but highly illicit, excepting as in your example where it is the pope doing it and so has the authority to dispense with canon law at his discretion; note I’m not saying it would be wise only that it is within his authority.
 
Bran_Stark said:
I was thinking about this topic in the context of the outbreak of a lethal worldwide plague which somehow only affected adults. The Church would have to ordain small children, not only as priests but also as bishops, in order to ensure her continued survival.
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Hey, Bran, the Song of Ice and Fire really took a downturn with the last book it took him seven years “to write the last half of”, didn’t it?
 
corsair said:
Trishie gets it right with the posting of the correct Canon.
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The canon determines whether it is licit(legal), but not whether the ordination is valid(Actually took place). A valid ordination requires the recipient to have use of reason, be baptized, confirmed, communicated, and assenting to its reception. For it to be licit it must meet all the requirements of canon law. Many ordinations and consecrations are valid but illicit such as those performed by SSPX.
 
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