In Italy, homosexual men can train to become Catholic priests, but they must not openly promote “gay culture,” according to new guidelines approved by the Vatican.
The Italian Bishops’ Conference released the guidelines online, emphasizing that celibacy is essential for all priests. While gay men are allowed to enter seminaries, they cannot be admitted if they practice homosexuality, have deeply rooted homosexual tendencies, or promote “gay culture.”
The 68-page document states that the Church respects gay individuals but must evaluate their overall personality and ability to embrace celibacy when deciding if they can train as priests. The goal, the guidelines explain, is for future priests to freely choose and live a chaste, celibate life.
Pope Francis, 88, has advocated for a more inclusive Catholic Church, including welcoming LGBTQ individuals. However, official Church teachings still consider same-sex acts as “intrinsically disordered.”
The Pope famously said in 2013, “If someone is gay and searching for the Lord with goodwill, who am I to judge?” But in June, he reportedly used a vulgar slur during a private meeting, expressing concerns about the presence of gay men in seminaries.
Some Catholic LGBTQ advocates have welcomed the new guidelines as a step forward. Francis DeBernardo from New Ways Ministry, a U.S.-based LGBTQ Catholic group, said the rules clarify past ambiguities and could reduce discrimination. Jesuit priest James Martin also praised the document for focusing on whether a candidate can live a celibate life, rather than solely on their sexual orientation.
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