The request applies to priests in Brazil, and is on the agenda for an upcoming synod (church council) in the Amazon region.
A small number of married Roman Catholic priests already exist, including previously married Anglican vicars who have joined the church.
A request to lift the ban on marriage was made by Brazilian bishop Cardinal Claudio Hummes, who reportedly asked the Pope to consider ‘viri probati’, meaning married of great faith, as priests.
Derry priest Father Paddy O’Kane suggested that Pope Francis may move to end celibacy earlier this month, saying there was support amongst the church for the idea.
Fr O’Kane cited Brazilian liberation theologian Leonardo Boff, who said: “The Brazilian bishops, especially the pope’s own personal friend Cardinal Claudio Hummes, have expressly requested Pope Francis to enable married priest in Brazil to return to pastoral ministry.
“I have recently heard that the pope wants to fulfil this request – as an experimental, preliminary phase for the moment confined to Brazil.”
Earlier this year the Pope told Die Zeit newspaper: ‘We must consider if ‘viri probati’ is a possibility. Then we must determine what tasks they can perform, for example, in remote communities.’
Francis and his predecessor Benedict XVI have both stated that celibacy is not a matter of inflexible church dogma unlike, and could be debated.
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View previous comments…Endy Edeson
Niyeck: I get your point but the heading didn't say he wants to make the decision unilaterally rather A WISH Or REQUEST. thanks
Niyeck Nandack
They are such in a hurry to come online with senseless stories for senseless people that they forget to present issues in a more articulate way.
Niyeck Nandack
" Pope Francis may move to end celibacy". There is no suggestion in your title that the decision of the pope will depend on any other person or body. You should have the humility to acknowledge the title is misleading and sensational. Humility is also a mark of greatness.
Olumuyiwa Adejinmi
''sadiq'' I think that name disqualifies you from asking that question. Don't start a religious war from here #jihadists#
Endy Edeson
@Niyeck; Let's not quarrel over this. Your points are valid. Thanks. @Sadiq; Now, I understand your earlier question
Daniel Orji
One thing people should know is that, that law or rule is man made, that's why it must be abolished some day! Because over the years, it has made some of those priests ungodly against what is expected of them.
Elizabeth Lungu
They don't force to become a priest, if one feels they can't manage without a woman by there side, then just stop being a priest
Bussy Duro
Who is deceiving who now?