When/will the Roman Catholic Church bring back Married Priests?

[Blue3]

The RCC used to have Married Priests, and didn't get rid of them for theological or traditional reasons (even some of the Apostles were married, I believed). There were just a lot of disputes over who inherited what after a priest's death, what belonged to the Church and what belonged to the priest's children. That's why it was changed a few centuries ago (correct me if I'm wrong).

Since it has drawn criticism for this rule, and the reason for this rule is not theological or traditional in basis (and the original issue for it probably wouldn't become an issue again), it seems that even many Conservative Catholics are beginning to think that it will happen within a couple decades.

Personally, my biggest problem with the RCC is on all the sex-related issues (no married priests, no female priests, the "all sex must always be open to life" thing that's the reason why masturbation and contraception and gay sex/marriage are sinful, etc.) And I personally hope that once married priests eventually rise to become Cardinals, with them actually having some personal knowledge of sex, they'll be able to see their mistake on this one set of issues.

But even disregarding my personal opinions, do you think the RCC will allow Priests to marry again? And if so... when?
(I know there's some exceptions, in Eastern Catholic semi-autonomous churches, and allowing a few men already married to become priests, but you guys know what I mean)

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Maybe, but not under this pope, at least not in the manner you mean.  Francis is not likely to be pope for more than a decade, and he has more important axes to grind than priestly celibacy.  However, it is possible that the Personal ordinates could be upgraded to a full fledged rite within which priests getting married would be acceptable.

[Blue3]

Yeah, I'm not expecting it under this Pope, he has a lot more on his plate.

I personally am thinking it will happen in 20-40 years.

[falling apart like the ashes of American flags]

What'll probably happen is just keep increasing the powers and rights of deacons (who can be married) until they are basically de facto priests. Deacons can already do basically everything Protestant ministers do (including perform baptisms, weddings and preside at funerals.)

Or they might just throw in a loophole where married deacons can be upgraded to actual priests.

[DC Al Fine]

And I personally hope that once married priests eventually rise to become Cardinals, with them actually having some personal knowledge of sex, they'll be able to see their mistake on this one set of issues.

But even disregarding my personal opinions, do you think the RCC will allow Priests to marry again? And if so... when?
(I know there's some exceptions, in Eastern Catholic semi-autonomous churches, and allowing a few men already married to become priests, but you guys know what I mean)

I wouldn't be that optimistic about married priests. Protestants have had married priests since day 1 and it still took hundreds of years for positions to change on divorce, contraception etc.

To answer the question: I'd guess it will take another 50-100 years for a change. I doubt the change will be quick, rather it will be slowly introduced over time.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

[patrick1]

I had an Old Testament theology professor/priest who had 4 kids. A very bright guy who could read ancient Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.  It was a good coup stealing him from the Anglicans.

[Blue3]

For those saying the only way is to expand the authority of deacons... why? The Catholic Church had married priests in the past. The Apostles were married. Peter was married. They had it into medieval times. Why would it be so hard to go back?

[RI]

They already exist in the Catholic Church. You just have to be Anglican first. Personally, I don't really want to see married priests as I like the idea of priests being married to the church, but I don't care very much.

[TJ in Oregon]

What'll probably happen is just keep increasing the powers and rights of deacons (who can be married) until they are basically de facto priests. Deacons can already do basically everything Protestant ministers do (including perform baptisms, weddings and preside at funerals.)

Or they might just throw in a loophole where married deacons can be upgraded to actual priests.

No way on the first part. Deacons cannot consecrate the Eucharist or grant absolutely and while I could vaguely see the possibility of them being able to hear confessions at some point (not that I think it's likely but perhaps possible), there's absolutely no way deacons will be able to say Mass. And since the Mass has the most commonly received sacrament by far for practicing Catholics, the deacon couldn't be a "de facto priest".

[TJ in Oregon]

Oh... and, yes, I think it is quite likely the Roman Catholic Church will allow the ordination of married men at some point in the coming decades. As people have stated earlier, it is unlikely to be Pope Francis who instates it, but since it is not a doctrinal issue rather a discipline of the Church, doesn't seem to be causing any sort of uproar within the Ordinates or Byzantine Churches, and we have a decline in the number of priests, I think it will eventually be allowed.