What is the history of celibacy for Catholic priests?

[rcmerc]

A friend asked me today when it was that the church stopped allowing priests to be married and why. I’m quite certain this is a common question, but I just wasn’t able to answer. Where can I find information on the history of this? There must be information available in these forums or online somewhere. Perhaps you can recommend a book?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

This article in the original Catholic Encyclopedia should do it:

Celibacy of the Clergy

Fr, Vincent Serpa, O.P.