The Church's insistence that its priests should remain celibate, and the refusal to admit women to the priesthood, are also cited as key issues.

BBC: St Peter's Square

But finding real-life priests who are willing to be celibate, let alone trendy, is another matter.

ECONOMIST: New York��s Catholics

Catholic priests are all men and while there are celibate women - typically nuns - much of the debate tends to focus on male celibacy.

BBC: Is it even possible to live a celibate life?

He has defended the church's insistence on a celibate priesthood and its opposition to artificial contraception, abortion and women priests.

ECONOMIST: The pope's succession planning | The

The Catholic Church is perpetually short of priests, not least because it limits its recruitment to well-educated celibate males.

ECONOMIST: Pentecostals