Barbara,

Celibacy in the priesthood is a discipline. Priests, in certain rites, do not practice it however should their spouse die, they do not remarry. Therefore those who are ordained do not then marry.

So historically, many married men have been ordained to the priesthood and Jesus made no stipulation (to be unmarried or celibate) to Peter.

• So why do you insinuate that because Peter was not celibate that he couldn't be the first Pope?

I don't see how you draw the inference but any further clarification would be helpful.

Peace,

Bob Kirby