Atreverse a ser padres. Reflexiones sobre la paternidad espiritual del sacerdote en el contexto actual

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of publications dealing with spiritual fatherhood, and in particular with that of the priest. In the preceding decades, from the 1960’s onwards, spiritual fatherhood had appeared to be a discarded reality in the West, and it has been particularly so after the abuse crisis at the beginning of the 21st century. Nevertheless, it is evident that there is a renewed interest in this subject. The central question that arises, then, is whether the concept of spiritual fatherhood can still be proposed. The present article will explore the conditions under which it can be proposed, drawing on both recent studies and historical testimonies.