18/06/2019 13:03
The Vatican is considering allowing married men to become priests in remote areas
The Vatican is considering allowing married men to become priests in remote areas in a historic shift for the Church.
The recommendation was made for older married men for a synod of bishops in the Amazon jungle which is scheduled for October.
The document released today also called for an 'official ministry' for women in the area, although it did not elaborate.
It was the most direct mention ever in a Vatican document of the possibility of a married priesthood, albeit limited, and a greater ministerial role for women in one area of the world.
Some believe this could pave the way for more married men in other parts of the world where clergy are scarce.
The document spoke of the possibility of ordaining what are known as 'viri probati' - Latin for men of proven character - to deal with the shortage of priests.
Such men would be elderly, outstanding members of the local Catholic community and with grown-up families.