Homosexual Men Can Train as Priests, But Cannot Support Gay Culture,” Says Vatican

The Vatican has issued new guidelines that allow homosexual men to train as Catholic priests, but with the explicit condition that they cannot openly support or embrace “gay culture.” The guidelines, which were approved by the Vatican and released by the Italian Bishops’ Conference, mark a significant step in the Church’s handling of LGBTQ issues, particularly regarding the priesthood.

The 68-page document, published online on Thursday, stresses the importance of celibacy for all candidates to the priesthood. It clarifies that while men with homosexual tendencies can enter seminaries and pursue training to become priests, they must not practice homosexuality or advocate for the “gay culture.” The Church insists on its commitment to respecting all individuals, but it draws a firm line when it comes to candidates who openly embrace their sexual orientation or publicly support the LGBTQ movement.

The guidelines also acknowledge the reality that some men may discover their homosexual orientation during their training. In such cases, seminary leaders are instructed to evaluate candidates carefully, considering not just their sexual orientation but their overall personality and ability to live a chaste and celibate life. The Vatican’s aim, according to the document, is to ensure that prospective priests can fully embrace chastity as a vital part of their spiritual journey.

This development comes in the context of Pope Francis’ broader efforts to create a more inclusive atmosphere within the Catholic Church, especially for LGBTQ Catholics. The Pope, now 88 years old, has been vocal about his desire to make the Church more welcoming, famously stating in 2013, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?”

However, the Pope has also been cautious when discussing the issue of gay men in seminaries. A report surfaced in June of 2023 that, in a private meeting with Italian bishops, Pope Francis used a derogatory term to express his concern about the number of gay men in seminaries. This sparked a brief but intense controversy, as some interpreted his words as undermining his inclusive stance.

The new guidelines appear to strike a balance, allowing for greater inclusion while maintaining traditional Church teachings. While this may be seen as a more open approach to LGBTQ individuals, the guidelines are clear that any candidate who “supports the so-called gay culture” will not be accepted for priestly formation. The Vatican continues to uphold its belief that same-sex acts are “intrinsically disordered,” though it stresses that the Church does not condemn individuals based on their orientation alone.

The guidelines have received mixed reactions. Advocates for LGBTQ Catholics have expressed cautious optimism. Francis DeBernardo, the head of New Ways Ministry, a US-based Catholic outreach organization, welcomed the new guidelines as a “big step forward.” He noted that the Church’s previous stance had been vague and often discriminatory, leaving many LGBTQ individuals fearful of rejection. He believes the new clarity will reduce the fear and stigma often associated with LGBTQ candidates in the seminary.

US Jesuit priest James Martin, another well-known advocate for LGBTQ inclusion, praised the document for focusing on a candidate’s ability to live a chaste and celibate life, rather than solely on their sexual orientation. “This is the first time a Vatican-approved document has said that judging someone’s eligibility for the seminary cannot simply be based on whether or not they are gay,” he remarked.

The new guidelines are a response to decades of debate within the Catholic Church about the role of LGBTQ individuals in religious life. While the Vatican’s stance on same-sex relationships remains unchanged, these guidelines suggest a more thoughtful, individualized approach to evaluating potential seminarians. The document emphasizes the importance of personal growth, spiritual maturity, and commitment to celibacy over rigid rules about sexual orientation.