Sacerdotalis Caelibatus

Sacerdotalis caelibatus (Latin for "Of priestly celibacy") is an encyclical written by Pope Paul VI. Acknowledging the traditions given by the Holy Spirit to the Church in the East and acknowledging some few pastoral exceptions in the West, the encyclical explains and defends the Catholic Church's tradition of clerical celibacy in the West. The encyclical is dated 24 June 1967. Summary of the encyclical This encyclical was written in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, when the Catholic Church was examining and revising many long-held practices. Priestly celibacy is a discipline, a practice, rather than required dogma, and many at the time had expected that it might be relaxed together with some other practices. In response to these questions, the pope reaffirms the teaching as a principled, long-held practice with special importance in the Catholic Church. Discussion of arguments against priestly celibacy Paul VI begins the encyclical by considering arguments against celibacy for the priesthood. Among these, he lists: Those who feel called to both the priesthood and married life. The perceived shortage of priests, and whether lifting the celibacy requirement might alleviate that. The argument that celibacy is contrary to healthy psychological development. Whether an acceptance of celibacy by a young priest might become much more difficult with greater maturity.