POPE Francis has ruled out abolishing clerical celibacy in the Catholic Church, but says he is open to the possibility of ordaining older married men in remote areas with severe shortages of priests.
The Argentine pontiff, 82, said he believes that celibacy is "a gift to the Church" and opposes a blanket change to make it optional.
However, Francis admitted he was open to the further study of alternative options in isolated locations such as Polynesia and the Amazon "where there is a pastoral necessity", but only in "exceptional circumstances".
Supporters of a move to make celibacy optional for Catholic priests say it would attract more men to the vocation, while some even claim it could lower the rate of clerical sex abuse.
But their opponents say enforced celibacy allows priests to fully dedicate themselves to the Church.
Speaking on Monday, the Pope said: "Personally I think that celibacy is a gift to the Church, and secondly, I don’t think optional celibacy should be allowed, no.
Celibacy was not widely enforced in the Catholic Church until the 1100s (Image: iStock)"But I think the question should be open in places where there is a pastoral necessity because of a lack of priests.
"I'm not saying that we have to do it, because I have not reflected and prayed about this sufficiently. This is something being discussed by theologians, it’s not my decision."
Members of the clergy are allowed to marry in Protestant and Anglican Churches as well as Eastern Orthodox denominations.
Priestly celibacy was not widely enforced in the Roman Catholic Church until the 12th century, and can be changed as it is not a formal doctrine of the faith.
The Pope's comments show he is leaving open the possibility of 'Viri Probati' – an option which would allow married men of proven seriousness and maturity to be ordained in remote locales.
Such men would be elderly, outstanding members of the local Catholic community and with grown-up children.
Viri Probati is expected to be among the main topics of discussion in a synod of bishops from the Amazon region due to be held at the Vatican in October.
