Why Don't Priests Get Married? w/ Fr. Carter Griffin

Why does the Catholic Church continue to value priestly celibacy? In this episode, David DiNapoli speaks with Fr. Carter Griffin, rector of St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., about the meaning of celibacy, spiritual fatherhood, and priestly formation today. Fr. Carter completed his doctoral studies at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, where his research focused on the theology of celibacy. Drawing from decades of experience in priestly formation, Fr. Carter explains why celibacy is not simply a discipline or a practical arrangement—but a privileged way of loving, modeled on Christ the Bridegroom’s love for the Church. As he puts it, “The Church wishes to be loved by the celibate priest the way Jesus Christ her Bridegroom loves her.” Whether you’re curious about the priesthood, forming a family culture of vocation, or simply trying to understand the Church’s teaching more deeply, this episode offers a clear and hopeful perspective.