Gays can now become Catholic priests – Vatican
The Vatican has endorsed guidelines from Italian bishops permitting gay men to enter seminaries, provided they abstain from sexual activity. This decision marks a significant shift in the Catholic Church’s approach to the matter.
Previously, a 2016 Vatican directive stated that men with “deep-seated homosexual tendencies” should not be admitted to seminaries. However, the updated guidelines, quietly published on the Italian bishops’ website, stress that a candidate’s sexual orientation should be considered only as part of their overall personality.
The document notes:
“It is appropriate not to reduce the discernment to this aspect alone, but to understand its meaning within the whole framework of the young person’s personality.”
The guidelines, approved by Italian bishops in November, have received a trial period endorsement of three years from the Vatican’s clergy office.
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Pope Francis, known for his more inclusive stance on LGBTQ issues, has approved blessings for same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis. However, homosexuality within the priesthood remains a sensitive topic, with many gay priests hesitant to discuss their sexuality openly.
This development builds upon earlier Vatican directives, including those issued by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, which took a stricter stance on the matter. Pope Francis has emphasised the need for careful screening of seminarian candidates and has strongly advised priests pursuing sexual relationships to leave the priesthood.
Despite this move toward inclusivity, Francis has faced criticism for past comments, including a derogatory remark about homosexuality in seminaries, for which the Vatican issued an apology.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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