Fr Flanagan, who has been based in the US throughout his career as a priest, says the Church is going through a crisis in Ireland, but it can be overcome.
A priest from Co Roscommon says women and married men should be able to become catholic priests.
Fr Kevin Flanagan has been speaking after an event was held to mark 65 years since he was ordained - and to celebrate his 90th birthday.
Around 300 people attended the event in his native Kilglass on Friday night.
Fr Flanagan, who has been based in the US throughout his career as a priest, says the Church is going through a crisis in Ireland, but can be overcome.
He believes changes are needed to address the sharp drop in vocations to the priesthood.