The truly longstanding tradition in the church is that some are called to celibacy. Some feel called to it. But the church has never supported that celibacy be mandated for someone not called to it. It's never imposed on someone.

- Gene Robinson

Celibacy is the worst form of self-abuse.

- Peter De Vries

Celibacy is not a matter of compulsion. Someone is accepted as a priest only when he does it of his own accord.

- Pope Benedict XVI

If, hypothetically, Western Catholicism were to review the issue of celibacy, I think it would do so for cultural reasons, not so much as a universal option.

- Pope Francis