After a busy trip through the MIddle East last week, the Pope reportedly took an hour

of questions on the flight back to the Vatican. (Via CNN)

On the issue of priestly celibacy, Vatican Insider has him saying, "It is a rule of life

that I appreciate a great deal, and I believe it is a gift for the Church. The door is always

open given that it is not a dogma of faith."

The practice has been around for about 1,000 years, but Pope Francis' remarks suggest a

willingness to change. And that's exactly what a letter sent to the Pope last week is

asking for.

MarketWatch reports the letter is signed by 26 women, who say they are each in love with

a priest. Translated, it reads, "Dear Pope Francis, we are writing to you to break down

the wall of silence and indifference that we are faced with every day."

NBC reports a change in priestly celibacy would also answer critics who have linked

the sexual frustration potentially caused by celibacy to the sexual abuse of children

by priests.

That was another issue Pope Francis discussed on his flight, saying the Church now has a

"zero tolerance" policy for any clergy members who sexually abuse children. (Via United States)

The Guardian quotes the Pope as saying, "A priest needs to lead children to sanctity,

and children trust him. But instead he abuses them, and this is terrible. I compare it to

a satanic mass." And that comparison, according to the site, is key because a satanic mass

is the "ultimate evil" for a priest.

Pope Francis is taking an active step on the issue next month, meeting with a group of

sexual abuse victims at the Vatican.

As for his meeting with reporters, The Washington Post was impressed with his willingness to

talk so openly on major issues. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Agência Brasil)

"Both the candor and the impromptu nature with which he responded are likely to expand

his growing reputation as the most tolerant, iconoclastic pope of the past 40 years." ​