Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes

The Brazilian cardinal, Claudio Hummes, has said the Catholic Church might have to think again in the future about the issue of celibacy. His statement comes 2 weeks after the Vatican again confirmed that it will not allow priests to marry. The BBC's Christian Fraser reports from Rome:

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Cardinal Hummes, who takes over the congregation for the clergy this month - and he must try in his new role to re-energise the seminary - believes there is a debate to be had. Celibacy is a discipline, he said; it's not a dogma of the church. Certainly the majority of the apostles were married and in this modern age the church must observe these things; it has to advance with history.

The seventy-two year old cardinal is viewed by some as a potential successor to Pope Benedict. His comments will be taken seriously. But two weeks ago, senior figures in the Vatican met for three hours to discuss this issue and they reaffirmed the need for solid Christian and human training.

Christian Fraser, BBC News, Rome

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falling steadily
going down at a regular rate, constantly decreasing

chaste and celibate
in this case, pure in actions and thoughts, and not taking part in any sexual activity

the calling
a deep, religious feeling that they should become priests

the congregation for the clergy
the office of the Vatican which is in charge of priests

re-energise the seminary
create fresh interest in the college that trains priests

a dogma
a strict rule and religious belief that must be obeyed

the apostles
the 12 followers of Jesus in the Christian faith who travelled around with him and tried to convince people to become Christians; they were also known as The 12 Disciples

a potential successor
a person who could possibly take over the role of Pope

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