Priestly celibacy 'has to be looked at'

Mandatory celibacy in the Catholic priesthood “has to be looked at”, a prominent priest and commentator has said. Writing in the November issue of Reality, the monthly magazine produced by the Redemptorist congregation, Fr Gerard Moloney also asked: “Is the man-made law of celibacy more important than peoples right to the Eucharist and to proper pastoral care?”

The editor of Reality noted “clergy are ageing, their workload is increasing, vocations are scarce, and morale has sunk”.

He also said that an open discussion about the issue should be allowed