Taboo subject

“BUT a debate? An actual exchange of views in which all sides of the argument are heard? Not a chance.”

This quote forms part of Rónán Mullen’s criticism of the media for their handling of the news that Fr Mossie Dillane fathered a child (Irish Examiner, January 25).

Mr Mullen seems to be unaware that an exchange of views on celibacy is impossible since Pope John Paul II banned all discussion on it. As a result, a number of theologians were sacked for having the temerity to question this Stalin-like attack on free speech.

As part of his argument for celibacy, the late Pope claimed that priests occupied a special place in the natural order, somewhere above humans but below angels. No wonder he banned all further discussion.

Anthony Sheridan

1 Carraig Eoin

Cobh

Co Cork