Sacerdotalis Caelibatus -

: Many expected the Church to relax the celibacy rule after the Council; this document firmly closed that door for the Latin Rite.

: Regular prayer, fasting, and a life of simplicity are necessary to sustain a celibate life. sacerdotalis caelibatus

: Celibacy is a "symbol of, and stimulus to, charity" ( Vatican.va ). It allows the priest to love all people without the "reservations" of a single family unit. : Many expected the Church to relax the

: The priest makes a "total gift" of himself to Christ and His Church. and stimulus to

The encyclical emphasizes that celibacy is not just a rule, but a life that must be carefully nurtured: