Church celibacy rule for priests a sensible one

THE Catholic Church’s rule on celibacy for its priests is eminently sensible/reasonable, apart altogether from the profound spiritual rationale.

While not disparaging married clergy, perhaps the best summary of the Church’s teaching/tradition is contained in the work of the one-time Presbyterian Minister and& Catholic convert Dr Scott Hahn, in his book — Many Are Called.

Many supporters of a married clergy quite frequently advance the argument that the reason for Pope Benedict VIII’s 11th century re-affirmation of the teaching was to safeguard Church property from claims by offspring. Quite sensible, I would have thought.