Holy Father, we believe that now is time to open the priesthood to married men.

Nearly half the worlds parishes and missions have no resident priest, and many parishes are closing because of the priest shortage. Allowing married men to join their celibate brothers in ordained ministry will provide additional millions of Catholics access to the Mass and the sacraments.

Making this extraordinary change now will demonstrate that Church leaders listen to the sensus fidelium (the Spirit-inspired beliefs of the faithful). It will demonstrate that the Church can respond boldly to one of the major challenges that we, the people of God, face together. It will provide much needed hope to many Catholics who feel a deep sense of betrayal and alienation because of the scandal of clergy sex abuse of children and its coverup by many church officials.

Holy Father, in addition to providing these major benefits, acting courageously now to open the priesthood to married men will also add a significant and historic legacy to your pontificate.