Accepted Quote by Pope Benedict XVI

The vow of celibacy is a matter of keeping one's word to Christ and the Church. a duty and a proof of the priest's…

— Pope John Paul II

The truly longstanding tradition in the church is that some are called to celibacy. Some feel called to it. But the church has never…

— Gene Robinson

Celibacy is not natural to men or to women; all bodily needs require their legitimate satisfaction, and celibacy is a disregard of natural law.

— Annie Besant

Everyone agrees the celibacy rule is just a Church law dating from the 11th century, not a divine command.

— Hans Kung

Celibacy is a great help, inasmuch as it enables one to lead a life of full surrender to God.

— Mahatma Gandhi

Jesus Christ never preached there should be celibate priests. The only reason the church has this is because it's a mechanism of power and…

— Alex Gibney

Even supposing there were some spiritual advantage in celibacy, it ought to be completely voluntary.

— Richard Whately

“Christians throughout history have affirmed that lifelong celibacy is a spiritual gift and calling, not a path that should be forced upon someone.”

— Matthew Vines

Celibacy is not just a matter of not having sex. It is a way of admiring a person for their humanity, maybe even for…

— Timothy Radcliffe

Priestly celibacy has been guarded by the Church for centuries as a brilliant jewel, and retains its value undiminished even in our time when…

— Pope Paul VI

“Celibacy is a terrible idea, adhered to by people who hate themselves and want everyone else to do the same. You should do what…

— Kevin Hearne

If, hypothetically, Western Catholicism were to review the issue of celibacy, I think it would do so for cultural reasons, not so much as…

— Pope Francis