Sacerdotalis Caelibatus

On the Celibacy of the Priest

St. Paul VI1967-06-24Current

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Overview

Explains the Christological, ecclesial, and eschatological meaning of priestly celibacy in the Latin Church and its formation and support.

Why This Document Matters

It gives the Church’s principal modern papal defense and pastoral treatment of Latin priestly celibacy.

Historical Context

Issued by St. Paul VI in 1967, this papal encyclical addresses the pastoral, doctrinal, or governing needs of its period while remaining part of the Church's continuing documentary tradition.

Authority and Status

Genre: Papal Encyclical
Authority class: Papal encyclical
Juridical force: Doctrinal and pastoral
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1967-06-24

Authoritative papal teaching; the weight of individual statements depends on their wording, subject, continuity, and intent.

Key Points

Clergy & Holy OrdersSpirituality & PrayerEcclesiology

Major Themes

Clergy & Holy OrdersSpirituality & PrayerEcclesiology

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Sacerdotalis Caelibatus

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

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