VATICAN: The issue of whether older, married men, might be ordained priests was raised at the synod of bishops in Rome yesterday by Cardinal Scola of Venice.
"To confront the issue of the shortage of priests, some have put forward the request to ordain married faithful of proven faith and virtue, the so-called viri probati'," he said.
The cardinal, who read his speech in Latin in the presence of Pope Benedict, did not say which bishops from which countries had suggested discussing the ordination of older, married men.
He said the possibility of such men becoming priests in the future would not detract from the validity of the rule of celibacy for those entering the priesthood in the traditional manner at a much younger age. But he indicated at a press conference afterwards that he was personally opposed to the idea.
Over recent decades, some theologians have proposed the ordination of viri probati, Latin for "tested men".
It is a term used as shorthand for older, married men with families, who are known to lead exemplary personal lives in their communities and have a solid background in church doctrine.
Asked about his position on the issue, Cardinal Scola told the press conference that he felt the shortage of priests might be confronted by seeking "ways to redistribute the forces [ of priests] among the different local churches".
The synod's official theme is "the Eucharist, Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church" and its primary concern will be with celebration of the sacrament in which Catholics believe it is through a priest only that bread and wine can become Christ's body and blood at Mass.
"I think that anything that is connected to the mystery of the Eucharist will be discussed," Cardinal Scola said of the synod yesterday. The shortage of priests in many parts of the world means some faithful cannot attend a Mass but often take part in a "prayer service" led by a deacon or a senior member of the community.
At such prayer services, Communion hosts consecrated by a priest beforehand are distributed to the people.
Bishop Luis Tagle of the Philippines said yesterday that the situation in some parts of his country was dire.
"We should face squarely the issue of the shortage of priests," he said. "We rejoice in the gift of the priesthood but we still cannot cope."
He did not say what his position was on the ordination of married men.
Pope Benedict opened the synod last Sunday. It is the first major Vatican event since he was elected Pope last April and he is expected to attend most of its sessions over the next three weeks.
Present also are over 250 bishops, cardinals, heads of religious orders and others from about 118 countries
Ireland is represented by the Catholic Primate, Archbishop Seán Brady, and the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin.
Many Vatican officials are said to be hoping that regulations surrounding Communion might be further tightened, particularly where the liturgy of the Eucharist is concerned and on issues surrounding inter-Communion.
Currently Protestants may receive Communion in a Catholic church only in very rare circumstances, while Catholics may not receive Communion in a Protestant church.
It is also expected that controversial issues such as whether politicians who support abortion legislation will be allowed receive Communion, even while holding a Catholic position on abortion privately, will also be discussed.
(Additional reporting from Reuters)