There are practical advantages to a celibate priesthood in situations of persecution, which were demonstrated under the Soviet Union.
To put it bluntly, it's very hard for even a courageous married man to resist when his torturers stop torturing him and start threatening his wife and children.
“To put it bluntly, it’s very hard for even a courageous married man to resist when his torturers stop torturing him and start threatening his wife and children.”
Another very good point. And a likely scenario, even in this country.
I’ve generally put it in terms of a conflict between obligations to the Church and to the family, but they way you put it drives home the point much better; harder for others to dispute.