The Pope has also recently signaled the Church’s policy of mandatory clerical celibacy is not a dogma or a doctrine and is always subject to change. I hope this happens. I see no reason why Holy Matrimony should be denied to those seeking vocations in the priesthood. There is NOTHING in the Bible requiring such a policy.
There are already Orthodox Churches in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church that allow married priests. The Roman (Latin) Church only instituted celibacy in the 11th Century , but it may have been as early as the Pontificate of St. Leo the Great in the Fifth Century.
Regardless, It is something I think unlikely to change soon. If it does they may find more problems than solutions.
My (TN) Catholic parish has 5 clergy: 2 celibate and 3 married.
I see the Diocese of Allentown, PA just ordained 47 permanent deacons: a new record for the U.S., I think.
FWIW, a couple of things to keep in mind:
There is NOTHING in the Bible requiring such a policy.
True, but such a policy is commended (not mandated) in Scripture.
For example, Matt 19:12 [12] For there are eunuchs, who were born so from their mother' s womb: and there are eunuchs, who were made so by men: and there are eunuchs, who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven. He that can take, let him take it.
Likewise, Paul commends perpetual celibacy in I Cor 7 (e.g., v 7-8: For I would that all men were even as myself: but every one hath his proper gift from God; one after this manner, and another after that. But I say to the unmarried, and to the widows: It is good for them if they so continue, even as I. and v32-33 But I would have you to be without solicitude. He that is without a wife, is solicitous for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please God. But he that is with a wife, is solicitous for the things of the world, how he may please his wife: and he is divided.)