Pope Francis rejects optional celibacy to increase vocations: "We must not be naive"

In an interview with the Argentinean media Infobae, Pope Francis revealed that he considers it naive to think the solution to the shortage of priestly vocations is for them to get married. Instead, he considers the lack of vocations to be a cultural problem.  

He used the example of Lutheran priests, who can get married. But, he explained that this has not increased the number of ministers. 

Pope Francis also spoke about celibacy with the authors of the book, The Pastor. He emphasized that he is in favor of the tradition of the Western Church where priests do not marry. But, the Pope added that he will leave that decision to his successor.

PA 

TR: AT