The Vatican has approved guidelines permitting gay men to become priests, provided they remain celibate.
This marks a notable shift in the Catholic Church’s approach, as new directives issued by Italian bishops now allow gay men to enter seminaries.
While the Church had not explicitly banned gay men from the priesthood in the past, a 2016 directive discouraged men with “deep-seated homosexual tendencies” from pursuing clerical roles. The updated guidelines emphasize a more comprehensive evaluation of candidates, taking into account their sexual orientation alongside other aspects of their personality.
“When referring to homosexual tendencies in the formation process, it is also 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 state.
It remains uncertain whether these changes will be adopted in other countries.
Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has often been seen as more inclusive toward the LGBTQ+ community. He has supported case-by-case blessings for same-sex couples and called for a welcoming approach toward marginalized groups. However, the admission of gay men into the priesthood has long been a sensitive and controversial issue.
The pontiff has previously stressed the importance of careful screening for seminary candidates and has firmly warned priests against engaging in sexual relationships, urging those unable to adhere to celibacy to leave the priesthood.
This development underscores an evolving stance within the Church, balancing traditional teachings with a more pastoral approach to modern societal challenges.
