The Catholic Church teaches that priests are accountable to their bishops and to God for their conduct and ministry, emphasizing fidelity to their vows, exemplary personal behavior, and diligent fulfillment of their sacred duties 1 2 3. This accountability is rooted in the hierarchical structure of the Church and the nature of the priestly ministry itself 4 5.

Fidelity to Vocation and Obligations

Priests make solemn promises to faithfully exercise their ministry and are expected to live up to their sacred responsibilities 3. The diocesan bishop is responsible for ensuring that priests fulfill the obligations proper to their state, including celibacy, absence from the diocese, and avoidance of behavior unbecoming to the clerical state 6. Bishops are also to ensure priests have the means and institutions for their spiritual and intellectual development, as well as adequate livelihood and social welfare 6.

Exemplary Conduct and Chastity

A primary responsibility of a priest is to be irreproachable in personal conduct, following Christ who was poor, chaste, and obedient 2. The faithful expect to see an exemplary pastor dedicated to ministry with generosity, consecrated to the Lord through a life of celibacy 2. The witness of chaste love is considered a form of spiritual therapy for humanity and a protest against the idolatry of instinct 1. Priests are called to unify their spiritual life, ministry, and daily activities, faithfully living their celibacy as a priceless gift and a witness to the eschatological kingdom 7.

Obedience to Authority

Priestly obedience is a crucial virtue, ensuring that ministry is fruitful and builds up God's people in unity 8. It is "apostolic" in that it recognizes, loves, and serves the Church in her hierarchical structure, requiring communion with the Supreme Pontiff and the episcopal college, especially with one's own diocesan bishop 4. This submission to ecclesial authority flows from the priest's responsible freedom and helps him exercise authority in accordance with the Gospel, free from authoritarianism 4. Priests are always under the authority of their bishops in both their private and public lives, whether engaged in sacred ministry or teaching 9. They must respect the authority of Christ in their bishops and stand by them in sincere charity and obedience 5.

Episcopal Oversight and Intervention

Bishops have a significant responsibility in ensuring priestly accountability:

• Formation and Oversight: Bishops must be morally certain of a candidate's mature commitment to the priestly ideal before ordination 10. Their concern for priestly formation continues after ordination, fostering ongoing development to ensure priests are faithful to their gift and ministry 10.
• Support and Correction: Bishops are to be particularly close to priests, showing paternal concern for their ascetic and spiritual difficulties, and providing support for fidelity to their vocation 1. When priests encounter difficulties, bishops should be attentive, available pastors who restore hope and help them persevere 7.
• Addressing Lapses and Scandals: In cases of grave lapses or crimes that damage the Gospel's witness, especially involving ministers, the bishop must be firm, decisive, just, and impartial 1. They are bound to intervene promptly according to canonical norms for the correction and spiritual good of the minister, reparation of scandal, restoration of justice, and protection of victims 1. The Gospel demands that bishops deal promptly, frankly, and resolutely with any situation that scandalizes the flock or weakens the Church's credibility 10.

Through their words, example, vigilance, and paternal intervention, bishops fulfill their duty to present a holy and chaste Church to the world, in both her ministers and faithful 1.