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

Pope Francis' envoy to the Philippines reassured the faithful that the Church would never approve nor consider having married priests even with the Vatican’s recent approval to create a Permanent Diaconate in the country.

Archbishop Charles Brown, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, clarified that while married men may become permanent deacons, priests would remain unmarried.

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

The papal nuncio made the confirmation during his visit to one of the programs of Radio Veritas 846.

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

Unlike transitional deacons who are ordained in preparation for the priesthood, permanent deacons render a lifetime of services at the diaconate level. 

However, their responsibilities remain the same as those of transitional deacons. Permanent deacons are also tasked to proclaim the Gospel, deliver homilies during Mass, administer Baptism, bring Holy Communion to the sick, and engage in charitable and pastoral works.

They may also officiate weddings if authorized by the bishop.

Since the Catholic Church allows married men to be ordained to this ministry, Archbishop Brown stressed that those who aspire to become permanent deacons will undergo a thorough process.

Aside from receiving the proper theological and doctrinal formation, they will also have consultations with their spouses.

In January, Filipino bishops approved the Ratio for Permanent Deacons during their 129th plenary assembly, which outlines 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,” said Archbishop Brown. “Once granted, the implementation will begin in the Philippines. I anticipate that [it] will be issued swiftly.”

According to the Ratio, dioceses are not obligated to provide financial support to permanent deacons. Therefore, candidates are encouraged to be financially stable and capable of sustaining their own needs once they enter this ministry.

However, the papal nuncio clarified that the permanent diaconate should not be perceived as merely an extension of lay ministry since they still possess the grace of the Holy Orders.