The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buea, Cameroon, His Lordship Michael Bibi, has appealed to women and girls in the diocese to stop pursuing priests, stressing that they have embraced a life of celibacy and will never marry.
Speaking during a pastoral engagement on July 30, 2026, Bishop Bibi expressed concern over what he described as “unhealthy relationships” between some Christian women and priests within the diocese.
According to the Cameroon News Agency (CNA), the bishop said it was troubling that some women continued to chase priests despite knowing they had dedicated their lives to serving God and the Church.
“Stop pursuing or ‘running behind’ priests romantically. Priests will never marry you and cannot live with you as husbands,” he said.
He advised the women to instead focus on eligible single men in the diocese, saying doing so would allow priests to remain committed to their pastoral responsibilities and religious calling.
“There are many single young men available for marriage, pursue them instead.”
The bishop also urged the faithful to respect the vocation of priests and avoid actions that could distract them from their ministry. “Leave priests free to carry out their sacred duties,” he added.
