Pope upholds celibacy for priests

Pope Benedict XVI today reiterated the Church’s ban on Communion for divorced Catholics who remarry and left it up to bishops whether Catholic politicians should receive Communion if they support abortion rights or gay marriage.

In a 131-page document, the Pope also upheld the Vatican’s requirement for celibacy for priests in the Latin rite Church. “Priestly celibacy lived with maturity, joy and dedication is an immense blessing for the Church and for society itself,” the Pope wrote.