How does canon law regulate clerical celibacy?

• A. It is a discipline of the Latin Church; ordinarily, clerics are to be celibate; marriage after ordination is not permitted and may lead to laicization.
• B. Clerical celibacy is a universal dogma binding regardless of rite or region.
• C. Clerics may marry after ordination with bishop's permission; no discipline.
• D. Celibacy is optional for clerics in the Latin Church.

Answer: (A)

Clerical celibacy in canon law is a discipline of the Latin Church rather than a dogma binding all Christian rites. The Latin Church requires clerics, especially priests, to observe lifelong celibacy, so marriage after ordination is not permitted. When a cleric contracts marriage after ordination, the usual consequence under canon law is laicization—removing him from the clerical state so he may live as a layperson. This disciplinary rule aims to reflect the priest’s exclusive dedication to the Church and to pastoral duties. It's important to note that celibacy is not universal across all rites; some Eastern Catholic Churches ordain married men, illustrating that the obligation is specific to the Latin tradition.