Although the order's mission would be to fight for an end to abortion, other facets of the "culture of death" -- such as euthanasia and the death penalty, both of which are opposed by the church -- also would be addressed, Yanta said.
The establishment of such a specialized religious society surprised some church observers, who noted that the church was struggling to address a shortage of priests.
"It's certainly not going to help," said Sister Christine Schenk, executive director of FutureChurch.
The Cleveland organization advocates loosening church laws -- including eliminating celibacy requirements for priests -- to draw more people into the priesthood and attract a wider group of followers.
Schenk said she would support the establishment of the society, provided that its priests addressed the full spectrum of church life.
Yanta said some priests would eventually be sent out to perform more general parish duties, although they would maintain a special focus on abortion.
Pavone said he believed the society would draw more people to the priesthood because abortion was such a passionate cause to so many people.
