Pope Francis has suggested the possibility of allowing married men to become ordained Catholic priests in certain circumstances, challenging tradition and sparking debate amongst Catholics.
Although Francis has remained firm that celibacy would still be a requirement for Catholic priests, in an interview published March 9 in a German newspaper he mentioned the Catholic Church would be looking into ordaining married men of proven faith or “viri probati” to fight the shortage of priests in parts of the world.
For the Catholic Church, Francis’ comments have created a debate surrounding this age-old tradition. While many Catholics oppose changing priests’ celibacy requirement, others believe that the change is necessary.
Marguerite Spencer, a professor of theology at St. Thomas, supports lifting the ban entirely.
“I would advocate for complete lifting of the ban,” Spencer said. “But then there would have to be certain safeguards put in place.”
Spencer said the added safeguards would just be an addition to each seminarian’s personal discernment process, questioning their own ability to serve the church as well as maintaining a marriage.
Reed Flood, a seminary student at St. Thomas, supports the lift in specific circumstances as mentioned by Francis.
“In the case of making the sacraments more available to the people, I’m in support of that,” Flood said. “Though it’s circumstantial.”
He believes, however, that performing priestly duties and being married would be a difficult task.
“I think it’s possible, but I also think it’s difficult … to give yourself fully to your family and to give yourself fully to your church,” he said.
Although celibacy is a requirement for priests, there have been exceptions. St. Thomas chaplain Larry Blake, the director of campus ministry, is one. After 15 years of serving as a Lutheran pastor, Blake was given special permission from the Catholic Church to become ordained as a priest. This is only possible when the Catholic Church gives permission to former Protestant pastors who are already married.
Flood said that the conversation surrounding the topic should continue to be pursued by the church.
“It’s always good to look at these teachings and explore them further,” Flood said. “If that’s the case, something beautiful is going to come out.”
Benton Johnson can be reached at bcjohnson@stthomas.edu.
It’s so cool that Pope Francis is so not traditional. He is really spreading the Gospel Message by meeting people where they are at! Eucharist for divorced and remarried, check. Married Priests, check. Hopefully next the Pope will listen to the people of God and finally accept Gay marriage and women priests! Or will we have to wait for a third Vatican council :,(
Jim, there have always been some married priests, communion is still not allowed for those in a state of mortal sin, marriage is between a man and a woman, and the Church has dogmatically declared it does not have the authority to ordain women. Truth does not change, and neither does the teaching of the Catholic Church. Not third vatican council can or will change that.