And Another Thing | 29 March 2008

It would not surprise me if the present Pope, who is a man of strongly conservative instincts but also highly intelligent, energetic and forceful, abruptly decided to introduce women into the Catholic priesthood, and set about this fundamental reform with all deliberate speed. He would be right to do so, for it is urgent and overdue. The shortage of priests, especially in Europe, is now chronic and increasingly damaging. It is shocking to learn that in Catholic Ireland, which from the early Dark Ages until quite recently sent young, enthusiastic and well-educated priests, as pastors and missionaries, all over the world, only nine men were ordained as priests last year. This is only a fraction of the replacement rate. The Irish figures are typical for Europe.

The gaps have to be filled by immigrant priests from Africa, Asia and Latin America, who do their job, on the whole, with endearing distinction.