Catholic priests call for end to celibacy

Hundreds of Roman Catholic priests have been meeting in Dublin to call for an end to compulsory celibacy for the priesthood.

The meetings, which also call for the ordination of women, constitutes an unprecedented challenge to the Vatican, which traditionalist Catholics say is a betrayal of the church.

But supporters say fundamental reforms must be made in order to tackle the country's dwindling supply of priests and waning public support.

Their call for change comes as pressure intensifies for Irish Cardinal Sean Brady to resign for failing to report abuse in the church to police.

They say the church in Ireland must find a way of winning back public trust, before it is too late.