Why do Catholics (or other sects) are required to address their their priests “father”?
We aren’t required to, but as they are our spiritual fathers,we call them such. You’re right about that verse, but if you read that whole chapter, Jesus is saying to not call someone Father, Rabbi, Teacher or Master if they aren’t worthy of that title–if they are more worried about looking holy than being holy. He goes through with “Woe to you pharasees and scribes” and with many things that they do that aren’t about God, but about themselves. He isn’t saying to not call anyone Father, Teacher, Rabbi or Master because he also tells the slaves to “listen to their masters”, he tells his apostles to become teachers of nations, Paul says “I was placed here to become your father through Jesus Christ”, Peter often says “My blessed child” placing him in a fatherly position and there are many other examples. Here’s a great resource for this question: http://www.catholic.com/library/Call_No_… I hope this helps
