Homosexual men can train to become Catholic priests in Italy, provided they do not “support the so-called gay culture,” according to newly released guidelines approved by the Vatican. These guidelines, issued by the Italian Bishops’ Conference and posted online on Thursday, outline the conditions under which gay men may attend seminaries or divinity schools that train priests.

The Stance on Celibacy and Homosexuality

The document emphasizes the necessity of celibacy for all priests while leaving the door open for gay men to enter the priesthood. However, it stipulates a critical restriction: those who openly display or endorse homosexuality will not be admitted.

A specific section of the 68-page document addresses “persons with homosexual tendencies who approach seminaries, or who discover such a situation during their training.” It states, “The Church, while profoundly respecting the persons in question, 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.”

However, the guidelines also stress the importance of understanding the “homosexual tendencies” of potential priests within the broader context of their personality. This approach aims to evaluate the individual’s overall harmony and compatibility with priestly life.

The Objective of Priesthood Training

The primary goal of priestly formation, according to the guidelines, is cultivating “the ability to accept as a gift, to freely choose and live chastity in celibacy.” The Italian Bishops’ Conference confirmed that the Vatican has approved these guidelines.

Pope Francis’ Inclusive Vision

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis, 88, has encouraged a more inclusive approach within the Roman Catholic Church, including toward LGBTQ Catholics. Despite this progressive tone, official Church doctrine still considers same-sex acts “intrinsically disordered.”

In a widely noted statement from 2013, Pope Francis remarked, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?” This inclusive sentiment has shaped many of his papal initiatives.

Controversial Remarks

However, Pope Francis’ inclusive stance has not been without controversy. In a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops in June, he reportedly used a vulgar gay slur, setting off a minor firestorm. According to two Italian newspapers, the pope expressed his opposition to admitting gay men to seminaries, claiming there was already too much “frociaggine” — a derogatory Roman term for homosexuality — in these institutions.

Mixed Reactions

Reactions to the new guidelines have been mixed. Francis DeBernardo, head of New Ways Ministry, a U.S.-based Catholic outreach for LGBTQ individuals, described the guidelines as “a big step forward.” He noted that they “clarify previous ambiguous statements about gay seminary candidates, which viewed them with suspicion,” reducing fear and discrimination within the Church.

Jesuit priest James Martin, an advocate for LGBTQ Catholics, highlighted that the guidelines mark the first time a Vatican-approved document suggests that eligibility for seminaries “cannot simply come down to whether or not he is gay.” Martin interpreted the guidelines to mean that “if a gay man is able to lead a healthy, chaste, and celibate life, he may be considered.”

A Delicate Balance

The guidelines reflect the Catholic Church’s ongoing struggle to balance its doctrinal teachings with a more inclusive and compassionate approach. While they affirm celibacy and caution against promoting “gay culture,” they also acknowledge the need to consider the individual’s overall capacity for priestly life. Whether this will foster greater inclusion or provoke further controversy remains to be seen.