John Paul II stated celibacy not essential?

[Mt_28_19_20]

The below article link quotes John Paull II as saying in 1993 that celibacy is not essential to the structure of the priesthood.

1.  Is this taken out of context?

2.  What do those who accepted a vow of celibacy think about this quote?

3. What do those who are contemplating a vow of celibacy think about this quote?

natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/090399/090399p.htm

Michael

 

[tkdnick]

Well I wouldn’t really put too much stock in what the National Catholic Reporter has to say. However, it is true that celibacy is not essential to the priesthood. Celibacy is a practice, not a doctrine. It is a tradition - small “t”. It is something that can be changed, though I doubt it will be anytime soon. Many of our Eastern Rite churches allow priests to be married, and there are a couple of ways for a married man to become a priest in the Latin Rite.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

Well I wouldn’t really put too much stock in what the National Catholic Reporter has to say. However, it is true that celibacy is not essential to the priesthood. Celibacy is a practice, not a doctrine. It is a tradition - small “t”. It is something that can be changed, though I doubt it will be anytime soon. Many of our Eastern Rite churches allow priests to be married, and there are a couple of ways for a married man to become a priest in the Latin Rite.

I’m not taking stock in what the NCR says, I am asking if John Paul II made the statement, and if it has been taken out of context.

If John Paul thought it was not essential, then why is it a requirment for most wanting to become priests?

 

[Della]

I’m not taking stock in what the NCR says, I am asking if John Paul II made the statement, and if it has been taken out of context.

Unless one has the original source in hand for any statement made by any public figure, it shouldn’t be cited as if it is factual.

If John Paul thought it was not essential, then why is it a requirment for most wanting to become priests?

Even if John Paul thought celibacy not essential, it is still a requirement because it is seen as appropriate and proper for priests of the Latin Rite to be celibate. We Catholics don’t only follow what is essential but also what is prudent or for the best.

 

[tkdnick]

I’m not taking stock in what the NCR says, I am asking if John Paul II made the statement, and if it has been taken out of context.

If John Paul thought it was not essential, then why is it a requirment for most wanting to become priests?

Just because it’s not essential doesn’t mean it’s not preferred. It is a practice and a rule that has developed in the Latin Rite church, and a practice and rule that seems like a good idea to me and is likely not to be changed anytime soon.

 

[Genesis315]

It’s true that it is not absolutely necessary for a valid priesthood, but it is *highly *recommended by Our Lord Himself and St. Paul. One could even argue it’s most fitting. Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not so priests can do more work–it’s so they can also have a contemplative life. Sadly, with priest shortages, that has become tough too.

 

[awalt]

Well they showed it as a quote but it’s not. Which leads one to assume they paraphrased something said, which casts even greater doubt than just being taken out of context. Reputable writers also cite the source for their quotes, which they did not appear to do either. So given all that I would certainly dismiss it.

Now that said, celibacy is not dogma it is a discipline, which is why some priests have been ordained from other religions (Episcopal?) that are married. Just as an FYI.

 

[tee_eff_em]

While I cannot, on a quick tour, find that exact quote attributed to Pope John Paul II, of Blessed Memory, it is (a) true (as has been noted) and (b) consitent with other of his statements, eg Pastores Dabo Vobis.

tee