Why do Catholics call priests "Father"?
The short answer
Catholics call priests "Father" because they are spiritual fathers who give life through the sacraments and care for their people. Jesus' words "Call no one on earth your father" (Matthew 23:9) were a warning against pride and false authority, not a ban on the word — the New Testament itself uses "father" for spiritual leaders.
The objection
Jesus said, "Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven" (Matthew 23:9). Some Christians conclude that calling a priest "Father" disobeys Christ.
Reading the passage in context
In the same breath Jesus says, "do not be called" (Matthew 23:8, 10). Yet Christians rightly call people teachers, and the New Testament lists "teachers" as a gift to the Church (Ephesians 4:11). Jesus is using hyperbole to condemn the Pharisees' love of honorific titles — not banning words.
The Bible uses "father" this way
- Saint Paul: "Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (1 Corinthians 4:15).
- Saint Stephen addresses the Jewish leaders: "My brothers and fathers" (Acts 7:2).
- Saint John writes, "I am writing to you, fathers" (1 John 2:13).
- Jesus himself speaks of "Father Abraham" (Luke 16:24).
Spiritual fatherhood
A father gives life, feeds, protects, teaches and forgives. A priest does these things spiritually: he baptizes, celebrates the Eucharist, hears confessions, preaches, and cares for souls. The title is a reminder of the responsibility, not a claim to replace God the Father — the source of all fatherhood (Ephesians 3:14-15).