The Latin-Rite Church has chosen to continue to ancient practice of ordaining to the priesthood only unmarried men, a practice that many scholars believe has its origins (in the form of clerical continence) in apostolic times. Celibacy is a powerful witness of undivided love for Christ and a singular way to exercise paternity in the order of grace. While Eastern-Rite Churches have elected to ordain married men to the priesthood (though not to the episcopate), the Latin Church has continued to treasure priestly celibacy as a particular gift of the Lord and an impetus to pastoral charity.
- Catechism on Celibacy
- God's Gift: Priestly Celibacy
- Catholic.com: Celibacy and the Priesthood