“Called to consecrate themselves totally to the Lord and to his ‘things’, they give themselves entirely to God and men. Celibacy is a sign of this new life to the service of which the minister of the Church is consecrated; accepted with a joyful heart, he radiantly announces the Kingdom of God,” he adds.
Numeral 1580 specifies that “in the Eastern Churches (in communion with the Pope), a different discipline has been in force for centuries: while bishops are chosen only among celibates, married men can be ordained deacons and priests. This practice has been considered legitimate since ancient times; These priests exercise a fruitful ministry within their communities.”
“On the other hand, the celibacy of priests enjoys great honor in the Eastern Churches, and there are numerous priests who freely choose it for the Kingdom of God. In the East as in the West, whoever receives the sacrament of Holy Orders cannot marry,” the same paragraph states.