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Inside the VaticanJanuary 30, 2019
Pope Francis looks at Alessandro Gisotti, interim Vatican spokesman, while answering questions from journalists aboard his flight from Panama City to Rome, Jan. 27, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry O’Connell and I update you on Pope Francis’ recent comments on the possibility of married priests, as well as on the current crisis in Venezuela—and what those comments mean for Catholics around the world.

First, we look at some of the situations in which married Catholic priests already exist, including the Eastern Rites and when married Anglican priests convert to Catholicism. Then we look at what situations Pope Francis has signaled an openness to revising current practice around priestly celibacy in response to pastoral needs in remote areas of the church.

Then we look at the current conflict in Venezuela and examine Pope Francis’ diplomatic response to it in light of his past experiences. After living through Argentina’s “bloody war,” the pope said he is “terrified of bloodshed.” We also talk about the Vatican’s efforts to negotiate peace in Venezuela.

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JR Cosgrove
4 years 10 months ago

Venezuela is not Argentina or even close

Will Nier
4 years 10 months ago

Maybe he is getting to the old idea of ordaining men priests ad simplex. He mentioned that these ordained men would celebrate Mass, anoint the sick ie, do the sacramental aspects of ministry. They cannot preach. Thus are simple priests sent to area's where the Church is needed. If I remember right in WW2 this was done and those ordained only had 3 years of theology. I say if it works then bring it back. The Church cannot relie on lay people to do the priestly duties.

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