Vatican on Anglicans: celibacy rule unchanged

The Vatican has confirmed that opening its door to married Anglican priests doesn't mean the Roman Catholic church's requirement for celibacy for clergy is changing.

The Holy See's press office issued a set of rules Monday as part of its initiative to make it easier for disillusioned conservative Anglicans to become Catholics.

It said last month married Anglican priests will join the church on a case-by-case basis, the approach used for years for would-be converts.

The Vatican's decision to allow Anglicans to keep some aspects of their liturgy raised questions over whether the Roman Catholic requirement for celibacy might change.

But it said Monday the possibility of some married Anglican clergy remaining priests after converting "does not signify any change" in the requirement for celibate clergy.