Why did the Latin Church decide on priestly celibacy?

[BlueKnight]

I understand that celebacy and being a priest is actually somewhat new in the Catholic church. I have heard that it was to make it cheaper for the Church and so that the church did not have to share the inheritance of the priest with his children upon his death. Is there merit in this? Why did the Church decide to make being a priest celibate?

 

[Reginald_Plum]

BlueKnight,

These links should give you a thorough understanding of priestly celibacy in the Latin Church. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

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