But the problem is particularly fraught for the Catholic Church, as Catholics in many countries are increasingly questioning the celibacy requirement for priests.

而许多国家的天主教堂也在逐渐质问牧师独身的必要性。

youdao

He has failed to halt the steady haemorrhage of believers in many Western countries, although the Catholic Church continues to grow in numbers in parts of Africa and Asia.

BBC: Pope Benedict: Will retirement seal his legacy?

In Catholic countries such as Ireland and Poland, church and nation are linked in the minds of many.

ECONOMIST: An often vexed relationship