The Italian Bishops’ Conference, with Vatican approval, has issued new guidelines permitting gay men to train as Catholic priests in Italy, provided they do not practice homosexuality or actively support “gay culture.”
While reiterating the requirement for celibacy, the 68-page document highlights the Church’s stance on homosexuality. It states, “The Church… cannot admit to the seminary and to Holy Orders those who practise homosexuality, present deeply rooted homosexual tendencies, or support the so-called gay culture.”
The guidelines emphasize that priesthood candidates must accept celibacy as a gift and live chastely.
Pope Francis, 88, has promoted inclusivity for LGBTQ Catholics during his papacy but has maintained that same-sex acts are “intrinsically disordered” according to Church doctrine.
In 2013, Francis famously remarked, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?” However, in a June meeting with Italian bishops, he reportedly used a derogatory term to express concern about the presence of gay men in seminaries.
US Jesuit priest James Martin, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ Catholics, noted that the guidelines mark a shift. He interpreted them as allowing gay men who can lead “healthy, chaste, and celibate” lives to be considered for seminary admission.
