Sacerdotalis caelibatus (Latin for "Of priestly celibacy") is an encyclical written by Pope Paul VI. Acknowledging the traditions given by the Holy Spirit to the Church in the East and acknowledging some few pastoral exceptions in the West, the encyclical explains and defends the Catholic Church's tradition of clerical celibacy in the West. The encyclical is dated 24 June 1967. Summary of the encyclical This encyclical was written in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, when the Catholic Church was examining and revising many long-held practices. Priestly celibacy is a discipline, a practice, rather than required dogma, and many at the time had expected that it might be relaxed together with some other practices. In response to these questions, the pope reaffirms the teaching as a principled, long-held practice with special importance in the Catholic Church. Discussion of arguments against priestly celibacy Paul VI begins the encyclical by considering arguments against celibacy for the priesthood. Among these, he lists: Those who feel called to both the priesthood and married life. The perceived shortage of priests, and whether lifting the celibacy requirement might alleviate that. The argument that celibacy is contrary to healthy psychological development. Whether an acceptance of celibacy by a young priest might become much more difficult with greater maturity. Confirmation of the law of celibacy In response to these, Paul VI brings as witness the value of celibacy testified by many religious in the Church throughout the world, in many times and locations. Paul goes on to reaffirm the law of celibacy as something that should be continued: "Hence We consider that the present law of celibacy should today continue to be linked to the ecclesiastical ministry." Paul VI agrees that the priestly life and the celibate life are distinguishable, but he affirms the authority of the Church's magisterium to determine the conditions under which the priesthood may be granted to its members: Reasons for celibacy Much of the encyclical is spent discussing reasons why Paul VI believes that celibacy in the priesthood is of value for the Church. Among these, he lists: The model of Christ's own celibacy. As the exemplar priest, Christ's example is quite significant, and suggests a model that ought to be followed by later priests who act in his stead, and who wish to imitate his condition of life. While marriage is to be respected as a means to holiness, Scripture testifies