It’s a financial decision. Catholic baptisms are down 34%. Declining membership leads to declining revenue. The pope decided that money is more important than following scripture.

It’s the same reason priests weren’t allowed to marry. In the early days priests came from wealthy families. The Catholic Church didn’t want heirs to take money that would otherwise go to the church.

Last edited by doubletap; 10/25/20.
He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.

- Albert Einstein