Question on ordination and marriage

This is a tricky question to ask clearly. Let me be as precise as possible, and PLEASE read it carefully before offering your opinion. I've tried asking people this before and inevitably I get an answer to a different question. Thanks.

Since married men CAN be ordained to Holy Orders, why is it impossible for such a man to marry again after ordination if his wife pre-deceases him?


I know that it is not allowed. I'm not asking about that. I'm asking about the underlying reason. Specifically, I'm wondering what the difference between the pre-existing marriage that was done before ordination and one after ordination. There must be a difference, since one is allowed and one is not.

I'm not asking about why priests can't be married, I understand what a vow of chastity made by an unmarried man means. I'm only asking about men who were already married when ordained, the specific reason they cannot marry again if their spouse dies.

Thanks very much for your replies.