I think it would be good for the Church, and healthy for the priests, but I'm not Catholic so I don't have a dog in that fight. I have the feeling that a lot of priests and potential priests are voting with their feet on this issue, though.

It might be time for a change back to the original rules. Celibacy hasn't always been a requirement for Catholic priests or those who take holy orders.

The celibate clergy did not come into full bloom until about 1000 C.E. There were married and celibate priests, bishops, and popes before this time. Priests, religious brothers and religious sisters (nuns) as part of their vocation choose not to marry following: + The practice recommended in the Bible + The example of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and the Apostle Paul. +++ Scripture +++ In Matthew 19:12, Jesus says, "Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it." In Matthew 19:29, Jesus says, "And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life." Matthew 22:30 - Jesus explains, "At the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven." In 1 Corinthians 7:1, Paul writes, "It is a good thing for a man not to touch a woman." Then in 1 Corinthians 7:7, Paul says, "Indeed, I wish everyone to be as I am." In 1 Corinthians 7:27, Paul writes, "Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife." In 1 Corinthians 7:32-33, Paul teaches, "I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife." And in verse 38, "So then, the one who marries his virgin does well; the one who does not marry her will do better." Paul recommends celibacy for full time ministers in the Church so that they are able to focus entirely upon God and building up His kingdom. He “who refrains from marriage will do better.” See also 1 Timothy 5:9-12, 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Revevation 14:4, Isaiah 56:3-7, and Jeremiah 16:1-4. +++ Scriptural Examples +++ Biblical role models of a celibate clergy came from John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostle Paul. John the Baptist and Jesus are both believed to have been celibate for their entire lives. Some scholars believe that the example of the Essenes influenced either or both Jesus and John the Baptist in their celibacy. WWJD? What would Jesus do? Jesus did not marry. The Apostle Paul is explicit about his celibacy (see 1 Cor. 7). There is also evidence in the gospel of Matthew for the practice of celibacy among at least some early Christians, in the famous passage about becoming “eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:12). The concept took many twists and turns over the years and will probably take a few more before Christ returns in glory. A priest is "married" to the Church. Some people think that a priest who takes his duties seriously cannot take proper care of a wife and family. "A man cannot serve two masters." With love in Christ.

I believe that there is huge benefit in celibacy and I think these priests choose this way of life gladly and with joy and do not want or need the Pope to make new laws to suit those who do not understand their choice... If a priest changes his mind and wants to marry and is constrained from doing so, I think that perhaps he should not (and I dont believe think that they do) complain about the rules he agreed to. If you are in the middle of playing a game of cricket its not a reasonable thing to do to change the rules in the middle of the game because the spectators prefer different rules. Its their game and the origninal rules are there for very good reason I believe and if they want them there thats OK too. Having said that I know that this lifestyle choice is not for everyone and should a priest have made a mistake in his choice and falls in love with a woman I am glad for him because to live a lie is not a good thing but to have discovered more about yourself is growth and a very good thing. Perhaps if a priest finds himself in such a position he should revel in his growth and play a different game with different rules. I take my hat off to the catholic priests for their incredible dedication and show of commitment to what they believe... And if they make a mistake - well...

I don't care what Paul says; when God created man, He stated "IT IS NOT GOOD FOR MAN TO BE ALONE." That's when He created woman. We're supposed to be together.