In spite of the greater ease with which dispensations to marry are being granted to laicized priests, it is becoming increasingly evident that the subject of celibacy is being approached from very different angles by the Holy See, and by those seeking a change in the law and many of those seeking dispensations. And the procedure being used, the delays and the secrecy are tending towards a loss of confidence in authority similar to that precipitated by the encyclical Humanae Vitae. There is a tendency to a stalemate on the subject of celibacy, between very large numbers of priests and laity on the one hand, and the Holy See and the majority of bishops on the other, which could have widely damaging effects unless true dialogue can be reopened.

In the encyclical of 1967 On Priestly Celibacy Pope Paul VI indicates the point of view of the Holy See. If a priest is ‘unfortunately unfaithful to the obligations accepted’ it is due either to a mistake, ‘a judgement on the fitness of the candidate for the priesthood which was not always adequate or prudent at the proper time’, or to a moral failure in the ‘way in which sacred ministers live their life of total consecration’ (ibid., 83).

This is a development on previous times. The Codex of Canon Law only provides for release from celibacy owing to ordination having been received under the compulsion of grave fear and a complicated legal process, analogous to that needed for release from a non-consummated Christian marriage, is required (Canons 1993-8).