Priestly Celibacy Optional In Pope Francis’ Papacy?

Previous Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and other popes before never had an open discussion of changing the priestly celibacy rule. Will Pope Francis finally open up and make celibacy debate part of his papacy rule?

In a book “On Heaven and Earth” by Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he said “For the moment I’m in favor of maintaining celibacy, with its pros and cons, because there have been 10 centuries of good experiences rather than failures.” But he also highlighted that “it’s a question of discipline, not of faith. It could change.”

Change. Can the Catholic church make the priestly celibacy optional?

VIDEO: Should celibacy end for priests?

VIDEO: Members of British parliament ask Pope Francis to allow married men to enter the priesthood

AUDIO: Why are priests celibate? Why don’t they just marry?