The pope used homophobic slang and cautioned prelates about admitting gay men into seminaries. But ordination has also long been a refuge for gay faithful.
Tag: Celibacy
Vatican Conference Draws All Stripes to Rome, Welcome or Not
A major meeting to discuss sensitive issues in the Catholic Church is being held with the utmost secrecy and discretion. Outside, it’s a different story.
10 Years On, Pope Francis Faces Challenges From the Right and the Left
In an ideologically divided Roman Catholic Church, the right has accused him of going too far and the left of not going far enough.
Sex Ed, One Instagram Post at a Time
Activists are using social media to do what Arab countries have failed to do: teach women about their bodies. They are aiming for nothing less than a cultural awakening.
Pope Francis Sets Aside Proposal on Married Priests
The decision, in a letter on Catholic life in remote Amazon areas, is a victory for conservative forces who had warned that change there would put the church on a slippery slope.
Two Popes, and One Big Furor After Benedict Weighs in on Priestly Celibacy
In a new book, the former pope makes a firm defense of celibacy for priests as Pope Francis is expected to decide whether to allow married priests in remote regions. Let the intrigue begin.
Catholic Bishops Back Ordination of Married Men as Priests in Amazon Region, a Milestone
It was the first time a summit of bishops convened by a pope has endorsed such a historic change to the tradition of a celibate priesthood. The final decision will be up to the pope.
Pope Francis May Not Change the World. But He Is Reshaping the Church.
On Saturday, Francis will create 13 new cardinals who reflect his pastoral priorities. He will now have named more than half of those who will elect his successor.
Vatican Opens Door to Limited Ordination of Married Men as Priests
A proposed exception to the celibacy requirement would apply only in remote areas of the Amazon, but it is a significant shift in church policy.
Vatican’s Secret Rules for Catholic Priests Who Have Children
The Vatican confirmed, apparently for the first time, that it has general guidelines for what to do when clerics break celibacy vows and father children.