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Why may married men be ordained priests in the Eastern rites?

The Sacraments

The short answer

Because priestly celibacy is a discipline, not a doctrine, so the rites may differ. The Latin rite ordinarily requires it; the Eastern rites practice it among monks and some secular priests but do not require it of all. The Vatican respects their longstanding customs.

Priestly celibacy is a discipline, not a doctrine, so it can vary according to the customs of each rite. If it were a doctrine, all rites would have to follow the Holy See's judgment, because doctrines are true for everyone.

A discipline is a practice legislated by proper Church authority, here one judged spiritually beneficial. The Latin rite ordinarily requires celibacy of all candidates for the priesthood. In the Eastern rites it is practiced by monks and some secular priests but not required of all who seek ordination. Out of respect for their longstanding customs, the Vatican allows the Eastern churches in communion with Rome to keep their own properly established discipline.