Pope says reaffirming priest's role key to resolving French shortage

Published: 2004-01-26

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II, citing an "alarming" drop of priestly vocations in France, said the figure of the modern priest needs to be presented to young people in a more attractive and compelling way. That task includes explaining clearly the "essential dimension" of priestly celibacy to a public that may not easily understand its value, the pope told a group of French bishops Jan. 24. The bishops were on their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican, made every five years. Like previous groups from France, they reported a sharp drop in the number of priests and seminarians. The pope devoted virtually his entire talk to the problem, saying it was important to face the clergy shortage with realism but without giving in to discouragement.

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