c. 1996 Religion News Service

VATICAN CITY (RNS)-Reflecting his concern about the failure of many priests to fulfill the rigors of their chosen lives, Pope John Paul II on Tuesday (Feb. 20) urged Tanzania’s bishops to”foster an unfailing commitment to holiness and a renewed dedication to the apostolate.” The pope, whose message appeared to be aimed at Africa in general, said candidates for the priesthood should be better screened to insure they are committed to observing celibacy and chastity. In addition, candidates should be prepared to”avoid the pitfalls of a secularized style of living,”John Paul said.”Celibacy is a journey of absolute trust in God, which enables priests to serve Christ and his church with an undivided heart,”the pope said.”It is a call to radical discipleship.” A recently concluded African synod on the church’s evangelizing efforts on the continent said Catholic seminarians should be fully dedicated to observing the celibacy requirement before joining the priesthood.

Nonetheless, many African priests do not observe the church mandate, enshrined in the church’s Canon law. A number of them have wives and children.

Some African clergy have urged the church to take a more lenient position with respect to the celibacy requirement, saying the church in Africa needs time to develop. Africa has the lowest ratio in the world of priests to adherents.

But the pope seemed unwilling to make the distinction between rich and developing countries.”Obedience to the Gospel demands that bishops should deal promptly, frankly and resolutely with any situation that scandalizes the flock or weakens the credibility of the church’s witness,”he said.

MJP END HEILBRONNER