Former pope's book on celibacy challenges Vatican

Former Pope Benedict XVI ((16th)) has reaffirmed the Catholic Church's stand on priestly celibacy, breaking his silence as Pope Francis considers whether married men should be ordained. The retired pope has written a book addressing what he calls a crisis, and he endorses celibacy as a "necessity".

Pope Francis (R) meeting Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at Vatican City in 2015 Source: AAP