Papal Nuncio reaffirms Church’s commitment to priestly celibacy in Philippines

Pope Francis' envoy to the Philippines reassured the faithful that celibacy would remain a core discipline for the Church’s clergy.

Archbishop Charles Brown, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, confirmed this while speaking during his pastoral visit on Radio Veritas Philippines' program.

He addressed concerns regarding the Permanent Diaconate and whether it could lead to the ordination of married priests.

“The Church will never abandon celibacy. You have nothing to fear because priestly celibacy is an essential part of the Church’s discipline,” Archbishop Brown affirmed.

He clarified that while married men may become permanent deacons, this does not indicate any shift in the Church’s stance on priestly celibacy. Those aspiring to the permanent diaconate must go through a thorough process, including consultations with their spouses.

Brown also emphasized that the Permanent Diaconate is not a new development but has always existed within the Catholic Church. He noted that candidates for this role must receive proper theological and doctrinal formation.

In September 2023, Pope Francis approved the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to establish the Permanent Diaconate in the country.

Subsequently, during its 129th plenary assembly in January, the CBCP approved the Ratio for Permanent Deacons, a document outlining the framework and guidelines for its implementation.

The Ratio has received approval from the bishops and is currently on its way to Rome for Recognitio, an official endorsement. Once granted, the implementation will begin in the Philippines. I anticipate that the Recognitio will be issued swiftly," Brown stated.

According to the Ratio, dioceses are not obligated to provide financial support to permanent deacons. As a result, candidates are encouraged to be financially stable and capable of sustaining their own needs.

However, the nuncio clarified that the Permanent Diaconate should not be perceived as merely an extension of lay ministry, as permanent deacons are part of the clergy.

Among their responsibilities, permanent deacons are tasked with proclaiming the Gospel, delivering homilies during Mass, administering Baptism, bringing Holy Communion to the sick, officiating weddings (if authorized by the bishop), and engaging in charitable and pastoral work.