Why do Catholics call their priests “Father” despite the fact that Christ said, “Call no man on earth your father; for you have one Father, who is in heaven” (Matt 23:9)?
In many conversations today, especially in ecumenical and interdenominational settings, Catholics are often asked: “Why do you call your priests ‘Father’ when Jesus clearly said, ‘Call no one your father on earth’?” (cf. Matthew 23:9). At first glance, this verse seems straightforward, and the objection appears strong. Yet a deeper reading of Scripture, together with the Church’s teaching, reveals that calling a priest “Father” is not a contradiction of Christ’s words. Rather, it is a recognition of a profound spiritual reality: participation in the fatherhood of God.
Understanding Christ’s Words in Context
In interpreting Scripture, the Catholic Church always emphasizes the importance of reading any passage within its proper context. A single verse should not be isolated and interpreted on its own, lest one risk misunderstanding its meaning. In Matthew 23, Jesus was rebuking the pride and hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who loved titles of honour and sought self-exaltation. His warning was directed against arrogance and the usurping of God’s authority, not against the legitimate use of relational titles.
In verse 10, immediately after saying “call no man your father,” Jesus also adds, “Call no one master,” which can also be translated as “teacher.” If these words were taken in a strictly literal sense, Christians would also have to stop calling their biological fathers “father” and their teachers “teacher.” This would contradict both Scripture and natural law. Even the Fourth Commandment instructs us to honour our father and mother (cf. Exodus 20:12).
Thus, Jesus is therefore using hyperbole – a deliberate exaggeration to emphasize a deeper truth. He uses similar language in Matthew 5:29 when He says, “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away.” Clearly, He does not intend His followers to mutilate themselves.
Rather, He is using strong and shocking language to emphasize the seriousness of sin and the primacy of loyalty to God. In the same way, Matthew 23:9 is not a prohibition of the respectful use of the term “father.” It is a condemnation of prideful claims to spiritual authority that ignore the fact that all authority comes from God.
Clarifications from Scripture and the Early Church
Scripture does not contradict itself. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul referred to those he brought to faith as his spiritual children and described himself as their father. He writes: “For though you have countless instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Gospel” (cf. 1 Cor 4:15).
Similarly, St. John frequently addressed his audience as “little children” (Greek: teknia), expressing pastoral affection and authority. For example, in 1 John 3:7 he writes, “Little children, let no one deceive you.” Other instances include 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:28, and 1 John 4:4. The Apostle James also refers to Abraham as “our father” (cf. James 2:21). These examples show that the early Christians freely used familial language in both natural and spiritual senses.
Historically, from the earliest centuries, Christians also used familial terms for their spiritual leaders. The term “Church Fathers” refers to theologians of the first eight centuries who were foundational in explaining, defending, and transmitting the faith handed down from the Apostles.
Among them are saints such as Jerome, Augustine, and Ignatius of Antioch. For instance, Augustine, in his letter to Pope Boniface (Epistle 209), begins by addressing him: “To my lord, most blessed and holy father, Boniface, Augustine sends greetings in the Lord.” This demonstrates that the use of the title “father” for spiritual leaders was already well established in early Christian history.
Having seen from Scripture and Tradition that the use of the term “father” is not contrary to Christ’s teaching, we can now consider more specifically why Catholics call their priests “Father.”
The Catholic Understanding of Calling Priests “Father”
Paul Whitcomb explains that Catholics call their priests “Father” because, in matters pertaining to Christ’s holy faith, they perform the duties of a father by representing God. The priest is an instrument of the Christian’s supernatural birth and growth. Through his ministry, new life is given in Baptism, the faithful are nourished by the Eucharist, sinners are reconciled in Confession, and the People of God are taught and guided. In this sense, priestly fatherhood is not merely symbolic; it is sacramental. Just as a biological father gives natural life, the priest, by God’s grace, becomes an instrument of supernatural life.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that human fatherhood reflects and participates in God’s eternal fatherhood. Although God transcends human fatherhood and motherhood, He remains their origin and measure (cf. CCC 239). Therefore, whether biological or spiritual, authentic fatherhood is always a participation in God’s own life-giving authority and care.
Accordingly, by virtue of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, priests are configured to Christ the Head and Shepherd and act in persona Christi Capitis –in the person of Christ the Head (cf. CCC 1548). In shepherding the faithful, they exercise a genuine spiritual fatherhood.
No Contradiction with Matthew 23:9
It is therefore clear that the title “Father” does not contradict Matthew 23:9. Christ forbids Christians from acknowledging any fatherhood that rivals or replaces the Fatherhood of God. In a similar way, He says that one must “hate” father, mother, wife, and even one’s own life when these stand in opposition to following Him (cf. Luke 14:26). This, again, is hyperbolic language meant to emphasize total commitment to God. Christ does not forbid the respectful use of the term “Father” for those who genuinely share in His mission. Catholic priests share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, and their sacred ministry participates in the Fatherhood of God.
Conclusion
Catholics call their priests “Father” because spiritual fatherhood is biblical, theological, and pastoral. It reflects participation in God’s own Fatherhood, not competition with it. The title is not a privilege to boast about, but a mission to live. It is not about elevating a man above others; it is about recognizing a vocation – a call to generate, nurture, and protect spiritual life within God’s family.
Indeed, as it is said, Fada abxgh[ afa otutu “The appellation ‘Father’ is not just a mere nickname.” When we call a priest “Father,” it is not an honorary decoration. It is a reminder of responsibility and service to those under his care, and subsequent accountability before God.
Articulated by Rev. Fr. Cyprian K. Nwabueze
Sources:
Catechism of the Catholic Church. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1992.
Whitcomb, Paul. The Catholic Church Has the Answer. Illinois: TAN Books and Publishers Inc., 1986.
