Daijiworld Media Network - Rome (MS)

Rome, Jan 29: There is a probability that the Catholic Church may allow married men to become clergy and get ordained, especially in remote corners of the world where there is an acute shortage of priests.

According to LifeSiteNews, Pope Francis made this suggestion while flying home from World Youth Day on January 27.

The Pope said that he personally feels that celibacy of the priests and nuns is a great gift to the church. However, he said that at the moment option of celibacy is a big no in the church. But in special cases married Latin Rite clergy may be allowed to function in remote corners of the world, where it is an absolute necessity as there is an acute shortage of priests. His mention of remote areas included the Amazonian and Oceania regions in South America.

The pope spoke on the opinion of Bishop Emeritus Fritz Lobinger of Aliwal, South Africa, who had made some research on the possibility of ordaining married 'proven men' - viri probati, to serve in areas where the Catholics would otherwise be deprived of Eucharist. As per the suggestion of Lobinger, these married priests, though they will not have the full competency of celibate priests may still administer the sacraments and celebrate the mass, stated LifeSiteNews.

Pope Francis says that the optional celibacy of the priests is something which at this point in time would be a no to the church. It needs to be studied, thought, rethought and prayed about before coming at any conclusion.

The Pope further said on this point that in the Eastern Catholic churches are clergy are allowed to get married. There is a choice before they are ordained. However, he quoted the phrase of St Paul VI who said, "I would rather give up my life than to change the law on celibacy". The Pope said that St Paul VI said this during 1969-70, which is considered a more testing time to the church than today.