Priestly Celibacy

This is the cover of "From the Depths of Our Hearts," by retired Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. In the book they defend priestly celibacy, an issue that was discussed at last year's Synod of Bishops for the Amazon. (CNS photo/Ignatius Press)

Retired pope, Vatican cardinal write book defending priestly celibacy: VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Since marriage and priesthood both demand the total devotion and self-giving of a man to his vocation, "it does not seem possible to realize both vocations simultaneously," retired Pope Benedict XVI said in a new book.


"From the Depths of Our Hearts," a defense of priestly celibacy, has an introduction and conclusion written jointly by the retired pope and by Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, and one chapter written by each of them alone.

The book was to be published in English Feb. 20 by Ignatius Press but the French newspaper Le Figaro released excerpts Jan. 12 from the original French edition.  Both priests support Pope Francis.

The Pleas to Keep Father Cheverus in Boston

The pleas to keep Father Cheverus in Boston: In February 1801, Father Jean Cheverus received a letter from his father in France. Father Cheverus had fled France during the revolution, which saw a growing resentment towards and the persecution of priests.  Cheverus was torn.  He was needed in Boston and his family needed him in France.  Click on the link to read the history.