The Vatican permits homosexuals to become priests
Vatican and LGBT flags. Photo: religionnews.com
On January 10, 2025, the Vatican approved a document prepared by the Conference of Italian Bishops, allowing openly homosexual individuals to become priests, reports Religion News Service (RNS).
A provisional document, signed by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, head of the Italian bishops and a close ally of Pope Francis, will remain in effect for three years.
The new guidelines highlight that homosexual orientation is no longer an obstacle to ordination.
According to the document, “In the formative process, when referring to homosexual tendencies, it’s also appropriate not to reduce discernment only to this aspect, but, as for every candidate, to grasp its meaning in the global framework of the young person’s personality.”
However, while being openly gay no longer automatically bars a candidate from becoming a priest, such candidates are still held to the same standard of chastity as heterosexual priests are.
In a statement published on Friday, New Ways Ministry, an advocacy group for LGBTQIA Catholics in the U.S., welcomed the document as “a big step forward” in combating discrimination in the church.
As previously reported by the UOJ, Pope Francis stated that there are too many "faggots" in Roman Catholic seminaries.
Read also
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.
Polish Culture Ministry funds restoration of Armenian cathedral in Lviv
An international project supported by Poland aims to preserve the unique artistic heritage of the Armenian Cathedral in Lviv.
Persecuted UOC parish in Rakiv Lis celebrates patronal feast in new church
The faithful marked the fifth anniversary of the consecration of the church built to replace the one that was seized, as well as its patronal feast, in the Volyn village of Rakiv Lis.