Cardinal Keith O'brien: New Pope Should Let Priests Marry

By Simon Johnson
The Telegraph
February 22, 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9888765/Cardinal-Keith-OBrien-New-Pope-should-let-priests-marry.html

Cardinal Keith O'Brien: New Pope should let priests marry

Cardinal Keith O'Brien said it was clear many priests struggled to cope with celibacy, and should be able to have families if they wish.

The cardinal, who will part of the conclave that will choose the next Pope, said that some basic beliefs like opposition to abortion and euthanasia were of “divine origin” and could never be accepted.

However, he argued that the new Pope could consider whether the Roman Catholic Church should change its stance on other issues.

"For example the celibacy of the clergy, whether priests should marry – Jesus didn't say that,” he told BBC Scotland.

"There was a time when priests got married, and of course we know at the present time in some branches of the church – in some branches of the Catholic church – priests can get married, so that is obviously not of divine of origin and it could get discussed again."

Cardinal Keith O'Brien said it was clear many priests struggled to cope with celibacy, and should be able to have families if they wish.

The cardinal, who will part of the conclave that will choose the next Pope, said that some basic beliefs like opposition to abortion and euthanasia were of “divine origin” and could never be accepted.

However, he argued that the new Pope could consider whether the Roman Catholic Church should change its stance on other issues.

"For example the celibacy of the clergy, whether priests should marry – Jesus didn't say that,” he told BBC Scotland.

"There was a time when priests got married, and of course we know at the present time in some branches of the church – in some branches of the Catholic church – priests can get married, so that is obviously not of divine of origin and it could get discussed again."