Why Catholics Call Priests “Father”: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Explanation

Introduction

One of the most common objections raised against Catholics is: “Jesus said in Matthew 23:9, ‘Call no man on earth your father.’ So why do Catholics call their priests ‘Father’?”
At first glance, this may seem like a direct violation of Scripture. However, when we look closely at the biblical context, the broader teaching of Jesus, the usage throughout the New Testament, and the practice of the early Church, we find that calling priests “Father” is not only permissible but deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition.

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1. Understanding Matthew 23:9 in Context

The full passage reads:

“And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.” (Matthew 23:9, ESV)

A. Context Matters
In Matthew 23, Jesus is warning against the pride and hypocrisy of the Pharisees. His point is not a literal ban on using the word “father” for human beings, but rather a warning against attributing ultimate spiritual authority to anyone but God.

B. Parallel Verses
If we interpret this verse literally, we would also have to avoid:

• Calling anyone “teacher” (Matthew 23:8)

• Calling anyone “instructor” (Matthew 23:10)
  But in Ephesians 4:11, Paul affirms that God Himself gives “teachers” to the Church. Clearly, Jesus is using hyperbole to teach humility, not establishing a word-ban.

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2. Biblical Examples of Spiritual Fathers

Throughout Scripture, the term “father” is used for spiritual leaders:

• Abraham is called “the father of all who believe” (Romans 4:11-12).

• Joseph says God made him “a father to Pharaoh” (Genesis 45:8).

• Elisha calls Elijah “my father” (2 Kings 2:12).

• Paul calls himself a father in the faith:

  “I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 4:15)

• John addresses church leaders as “fathers” (1 John 2:13-14).

If Jesus meant an absolute prohibition, then Paul, John, and other biblical authors would be contradicting Him — which is impossible.

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3. Early Church Fathers on Spiritual Fatherhood

The Early Church understood Matthew 23:9 in the same way the apostles did — as a prohibition against usurping God’s glory, not against using the word “father” for spiritual leaders.

• St. Jerome (4th century) wrote:

  “No one is to be called ‘Father’ in such a way as to detract from the honor due to God. Yet we call priests ‘Father’ as the one who begets us in Christ through the Gospel.” (Commentary on Matthew 23)

• St. John Chrysostom (Homily 72 on Matthew) explained:

  “He said this not to abolish fatherhood, but to teach them to honor the true Father above all.”

• The Didache (1st century) shows Christians already had spiritual leaders addressed with titles of honor, much like “Father.”

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4. Catholic Teaching (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

The Catechism explains spiritual fatherhood clearly:

• CCC 1548 – The priest acts “in the person of Christ the Head.” He is a spiritual father to his flock, guiding and nurturing them in the faith.

• CCC 1551 – The priest’s authority is “a service to the Church”, reflecting the fatherhood of God.

Thus, calling priests “Father” acknowledges their role in our spiritual life, much as Paul was a father to the Corinthians.

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5. Insights from Bible Scholars

• Scott Hahn, former Presbyterian minister turned Catholic theologian, notes:

  “The New Testament shows many examples of spiritual fatherhood. Matthew 23:9 condemns pride and rivalry, not the word itself.” (Hahn, Rome Sweet Home)

• Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. explains:

  “If we followed a literal interpretation, we could not call our biological fathers ‘father’ either. Jesus’ teaching is about humility and giving God the glory.”

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6. Why Catholics Use the Title Today

• Priests share in the fatherhood of God by guiding us spiritually.

• They bring new spiritual life through baptism and nourish it through the sacraments.

• The title “Father” is a sign of respect and acknowledgment of their role, not a replacement for God’s fatherhood.

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Conclusion

Matthew 23:9 does not forbid calling priests “Father” — it forbids giving anyone God’s rightful glory. Scripture, the early Church, and Catholic teaching all affirm the spiritual fatherhood of our priests. Just as Paul became a father to the Corinthians, our priests become fathers to us in Christ.

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References:

1. Holy Bible – Matthew 23:9; 1 Corinthians 4:15; Romans 4:11-12; Genesis 45:8; 2 Kings 2:12; 1 John 2:13-14.

2. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1548, 1551.

3. St. Jerome, Commentary on Matthew 23.

4. St. John Chrysostom, Homily 72 on Matthew.

5. The Didache (1st century).

6. Scott Hahn, Rome Sweet Home.

7. Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., EWTN Apologetics.

Read also:  ❌ Are Catholic Doctrines Man-Made?;  Are the 7 Sacraments of the Catholic Church Instituted by God?