Priests are people too, and as such, they should be allowed to express themselves through their tattoos just like anyone else.
While many people think it would be wrong to listen to a priest covered in tattoos, that doesn’t mean it’s right. After all, what is more personal than self-expression? Each priest should be able to make that decision for himself.
There are plenty of arguments for and against priests being allowed to have tattoos. Some say that it’s a sign of disrespect for the church and its rules, while others argue that it’s a form of self-expression and should be allowed.
And what does the Catholic religion say itself? Are Catholic priests allowed to have tattoos? Or does that rule them out entirely?
Can Priests Have Tattoos?
Generally speaking, there’s no law or regulation that bans priests from having tattoos. The Catholic Church doesn’t have an official stance on the matter, which means it’s up to each priest to make the decision for himself.
That said, there are plenty of people within the Church who think tattoos are inappropriate for priests. They argue that it’s a sign of disrespect for the religious institution and its rules.
And just because the religion or law doesn’t bar tattooed priests from the priesthood, it doesn’t mean that it’s easy for them to find a church that will accept them. In many cases, it’s up to the priest’s diocese or individual parish to make that decision.
- Related: Can Nuns Have Tattoos?
So while there’s no official Catholic stance on the matter, it’s safe to say that the majority of people within the Church would prefer if priests didn’t have tattoos.
Hence, it’s really unusual to see a Catholic priest with tattoos.
Tattoos to Avoid for Priests
It goes without saying that any tattoos with profane or explicit images should be avoided by priests. This includes anything that could be interpreted as being anti-religious or disrespectful to the Church.
In addition, any tattoos that are visible in public should be appropriate and modest. For example, a tattoo on the neck or face is likely to cause more controversy than one on the arms or legs.
If you’re a priest considering getting a tattoo, it’s important to think carefully about the design and placement. Remember that as a representative of the Church, your tattoos will be seen as a reflection of the Catholic faith.
What Religion Does Not Accept Tattoos?
While the Catholic religion seems to be relatively accepting of tattoos, there are other religions that take a much stricter stance.
For example, Orthodox Judaism generally prohibits tattoos. This is based on the book of Leviticus, which states “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
Similarly, Islam also views tattoos as being haram (forbidden). There are a few different interpretations of this, but the general consensus is that tattoos are considered to be an act of mutilation and therefore go against Allah’s will.
There are also some Hindu sects that prohibit tattoos, as they are seen as being disrespectful to the body. However, this isn’t a universal belief within Hinduism.
So while the Catholic Church doesn’t have an official stance on tattoos, there are other religions that do not accept them.
Why Do Priests Want to Get Tattooed?
If tattoos are still seen as a bit of taboo among churchgoers and priests, why do some of them still want to get inked?
For many tattooed priests, it’s a way of expressing their individuality and personality. In a profession that can be quite strict and formal, having a tattoo can help them feel more like themselves.
In addition, some priests may see their tattoos as a way of connecting with others.
Priests are just like regular people and the reasons they want to get inked are just as varied. However, because of their position within the Church, they often have to be more careful about the designs and placement of their tattoos.
