#EU #Belgium – Bishop Johan Bonny, the Bishop of Antwerp in Belgium since 2009, recently made headlines with strong statements in favor of ordaining married men (often called viri probati, or “men of proven virtue”) to the Catholic priesthood in the Latin Rite.
In an 11-page pastoral letter published on March 20, 2026, titled on the implementation of the Synod on Synodality in his diocese, Bishop Bonny declared:
“I will make every effort to ordain married men as priests for our diocese by 2028.”
He added that he would personally approach suitable candidates and ensure they receive theological training and pastoral experience comparable to that of celibate seminarians. The vetting process would be “transparent but discreet,” away from media attention.
Bonny framed this as a response to the severe priest shortage in Belgium and Western Europe, where the number of men willing to embrace celibacy for priesthood has “fallen to just above zero.” He linked it explicitly to implementing the Synod on Synodality’s vision of a more missionary and synodal Church.
Bishop Bonny has long been known for progressive positions on Church issues. He referenced earlier discussions of married priests during the 2019 Synod for the Amazon (where the proposal for viri probati in remote areas was debated but ultimately not approved by Pope Francis in Querida Amazonia). He argued that the time for action has now arrived, especially in the context of the Synod on Synodality (2021–2024).
In the same letter, he proposed other reforms, such as greater roles for women in leadership (including as pastors) and reimagining parish structures.
Bonny indicated he would approach Rome (and possibly other bishops) to seek permission, but he set a firm local target of 2028. The Vatican has not responded to this pastoral letter.
Image: Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium, where the seat of the Bishop of Antwerp is held.
