Pope Benedict XVI argues against ordination of married priests.

Retired Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his view on Celibacy and the priesthood in a book to be released later this month.

Pope Penitito XVI (agavale) ma Pope Francis. Source: ANSA/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO

The book is co-authored by Cardinal Sarah and Pope Benedict XVI, and according to excerpts being released so far, the authors are taking a stand against any plans to ordain married people into the priesthood. Pope Benedict XVI is only the second Pope in the history of the Catholic Church to have resigned while in office, and the views expressed in the book are being criticised by some Vatican commentators as undermining the authority of Pope Francis. Last year, Pope Francis announced that the Vatican may consider allowing married people to be ordained into the priesthood.