A Nigerian priest has sparked widespread debate online after sharing photos of his wife and children, defying the commonly held expectation that Catholic priests must remain celibate.
The priest, whose family images quickly went viral, faced a flood of questions from confused social media users. Many were shocked to learn that a man wearing the priestly collar could also be a family man.
Responding to the public’s curiosity, the priest clarified that although he is a Catholic priest, he does not belong to the Roman Catholic denomination.
He emphasized that his own parish permits priests to marry—marking a major distinction from the Roman Catholic Church, which mandates lifelong celibacy for its clergy.
This clarification ignited a firestorm of reactions. While some defended his right to marry and praised his openness, others questioned the legitimacy of his claim, insisting that it goes against Catholic doctrine.
Some even accused him of misleading the public about his priestly vows.
The debate also reopened broader discussions about celibacy in the church, with critics pointing out that many Roman Catholic priests privately struggle with the vow of celibacy, and that perhaps it’s time the church revisited the policy.
Despite the backlash, the married priest has stood firm, reminding critics that his practice of Catholicism does not require him to be celibate.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
