And some say "all of the above."
By requiring celibacy they in turn have put themselves in a position where it 'sounds like' they're willing to do almost anything to either keep priests or at least continue getting new ones (e.g. look the other way on homosexual preiests). That may be why there is this 'homosexual problem' in the priesthood that others have been talking about. Granted the secretive nature doesn't help. But when you need every available man, then you're vulnerable to giving in to just taking 'available' and not 'worthy'.
Who knows the extent... but as to celibacy.... why? Where in the Bible does it state that a pastor/preacher/priest must be? Paul said he viewed it as a 'gift' but it isn't for all men.
Peter had a wife (the first pope btw). Don't know how well documented that is, but I've seen that in a few different places. If the first pope (and for that matter apparently many others for the first few hundred years of the Catholic Church (which has been reported... although how accurate that is I don't know), then why make man's wishes into a requirement that is acting as a ball and chain.
If I need to see a priest about a marriage issue then I'd much rather talk to a man who knows what it's about. How can these men relate to their congregation in that manner?
If it's in the Bible as a requirement, then folks please show me? Show us all. And if it's not, then why the ball and chain.