Irish bishops will discuss proposal for married priests during ad limina visits
January 12, 2017
The Catholic bishops of Ireland, who are making their ad limina visits to Rome in January, will speak with Vatican officials about a proposal to allow a return to ministry by clerics who left the priesthood to marry. However, the Irish prelates will not discuss the proposal with Pope Francis.
Bishop Leo O’Reilly of Kilmore, who first introduced the proposal to welcome back married priests, told the Irish Catholic that the topic had been raised at a meeting of the Irish hierarchy, but the discussion was “inclusive,” and so the Irish bishops will not present the idea to Pope Francis. However, Bishop O’Reilly said that the topic was likely to arise when bishops speak with other Vatican officials.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: pvanderl7463 -
Jan. 13, 2017 12:17 PM ET USA
Thank you, dear Irish bishops, for the courage to recognize these married men who are priests forever can bless us with their ministry again. As I understand it,the Holy Father has invited any national Bishops' Conference to introduce this. And you appear to be be the first to have the fortitude, the valor to begin this.
-
Posted by: [email protected] -
Jan. 13, 2017 12:00 AM ET USA
The Irish bishops are getting priestly life pretty screwed up. A priest leaves to get married and now wants back in to the priesthood. What do they intend to do with the wife? This is a trick of the devil. Irish bishops should call this what it is- out right attack on the priesthood. Also see sneaking in there the topic of female deacons. Wow! St. Patrick will roll over in his grave.
