The "Synthesis Report", which contained a summary of the topics dealt with during the first Roman phase of the Universal Synod on Synodality, included a mention of the celibacy of priests. It was among the "questions to be faced" as a topic to be "taken up again at a later date". This ebook wants to contribute to this more detailed study, and brings together some articles that deal with celibacy and consider it from different perspectives.
The "Report" was based on the recognition, accepted by the assembly, of its "theological convenience", while at the same time taking up the insecurity of some who "wonder whether it should necessarily be translated into a disciplinary obligation"; hence the interest in addressing it. In fact, it is well known that reservations about celibacy are frequent and stem from various considerations.
For example, it is not uncommon to hear that abolishing or relaxing it would open the path to the priesthood to a greater number of potential candidates, without forgetting, they point out on the other hand, that it would allow "readmitting" to the priesthood those who once left it to marry; or that the cause of a good part of the sexual abuses by members of the clergy would lie in possible psychological deficiencies caused by it. It seems that none of these suppositions have been proven.
This leads us to reflect on the profound nature of celibacy, which is either a gift of God - and therefore accompanied by the graces that make it possible, in any situation and with the cooperation of man - or it is conceived as a human choice and product, which can be vain.
In the same way, one often hears the statement that for the Church this is a purely disciplinary matter; but does that mean that it has no justification other than an imposed decision, that there is lacking in the history of theology or spirituality a conviction that it is a way of life theologically rooted in the very essence of the priesthood?
On the other hand, it should be remembered that the celibate form of the Christian vocation is not exclusive to the priesthood, but also accompanies the consecrated life and the vocational journey of many lay people.
In short, there are so many aspects of this issue that it would have been impossible to deal with them exhaustively. But the following pages do offer an interesting and useful overview and a wealth of information. The main arguments are outlined, thanks to the contributions of experienced and competent authors.
His articles are completed with brief notes on the teachings of recent Popes and the most significant documents of the Church's Tradition, as well as references to some places where the subject can be further explored. It is not in vain that, in the words of St. Paul VI, it is a question of "a precious gift of Christ to his Church, a gift that needs to be constantly meditated upon and strengthened"..
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