The Catholic Church's Position on Clerical Celibacy

The Catholic Church requires most priests to remain celibate, meaning they do not marry or engage in sexual activity. This discipline, not a dogma, is rooted in the tradition of dedicating their lives fully to God and church service. It allows priests to focus entirely on their spiritual duties and serve their communities without family obligations. While Eastern Catholic Churches and some regions permit married men to become priests, the Latin Rite, the largest group, maintains celibacy as a rule. This discipline is seen as a special calling that symbolizes devotion, sacrifice, and total commitment to the Church's mission.