Belgian Bishop Challenges Celibacy, Seeks Married Priests

0:00Here's more world news for March 20th. A Belgian bishop is challenging centuries-old Catholic tradition by urging the Vatican to allow married men to become priests by 2028. Johann Bonney, who leads the Antwerp diocese, made the bold public statement in a letter to his parishioners, aiming to tackle the severe shortage of clergy. He is committed to making every effort on this front, and even plans to start identifying potential candidates for training right away. This comes amid a replacement rate for priests that's barely above zero in his area. Such a push from a bishop is highly unusual, since they pledge obedience to the Pope, and going ahead without approval, could lead to excommunication. The church has stuck with celibate priests for generations, despite calls for change. Pope Francis rejected the idea during his 12-year papacy, even after a major bishops summit requested it back in 2018. Bonney's diocese already depends on married priests from Eastern Europe and the Middle East, where the practice is allowed in some rights.

1:01Proponents argue it would draw more recruits, while critics say celibacy lets priests focus fully on the church. With no Vatican response yet, this debate shows no signs of fading anytime soon.