Fr. Mastroeni explains the priestly obligation to remain celibate. Fr. Anthony J. Mastroeni explains that the obligation for Roman rite priests to live in celibacy is not merely an act of discipline or custom. It goes back to Jesus and apostolic times and was universally mandated by the First Lateran Council. Priestly celibacy is rooted in doctrinal foundations, as the priest is ordained to stand in persona Christi, especially in the Mass or while administering the sacraments.