The Vatican is considering allowing married men to become priests

Pope Francis

The Vatican is considering allowing married men to become priests in remote areas in a historic shift for the Church.

The recommendation was made for older married men for a synod of bishops in the Amazon jungle which is scheduled for October. 

The document released today also called for an 'official ministry' for women in the area, although it did not elaborate.

It was the most direct mention ever in a Vatican document of the possibility of a married priesthood, albeit limited, and a greater ministerial role for women in one area of the world.

Some believe this could pave the way for more married men in other parts of the world where clergy are scarce. 

The document spoke of the possibility of ordaining what are known as 'viri probati' - Latin for men of proven character - to deal with the shortage of priests.

Such men would be elderly, outstanding members of the local Catholic community and with grown-up families.

 While affirming that celibacy is a gift for the Church, there have been requests that, for the most remote areas of the region, (the Church) studies the possibility of conferring priestly ordination on elderly men, preferably indigenous, respected and accepted members of their communities,' the document said.

Roman Catholic pilgrims travel in a boat as they accompany the statue of Our Lady of Conception during an annual river procession and pilgrimage along the Caraparu River in Santa Izabel do Para, in the Amazon jungle

It said such men could be ordained 'even if they already have an established and stable family, in order to guarantee the sacraments that accompany and sustain Christian life.'

Only priests can say Mass or hear confessions, meaning that Catholics in isolated communities in the Amazon can go for many months without participating in either of the sacraments.

Some Catholic scholars have said the approval of 'viri probati' in the Amazon may eventually pave the way for their use elsewhere in the world as a response to the shortage of priests.

Pope Francis, in an interview with a German newspaper in 2017, said he was willing to consider ordaining 'viri probati' men as priests in isolated communities.

But he ruled out a general opening the priesthood to all married men or watering down the Catholic Church's commitment to celibacy, seen as a virtue that frees priests to devote their lives fully to serve God.

Roman Catholic pilgrims display a banner with an image depicting Jesus Christ as they travel in a boat in the Amazon jungle