The conference of Italian bishops has released new recommendations allowing openly gay individuals to become priests.
The document, titled "Guidelines and Norms for Seminaries," states that the ban on the ordination of such candidates is no longer in effect.
In the guide published on January 9, it emphasizes that when considering candidates, it is crucial to take into account "homosexual inclinations" within the context of the individual's entire personality.
This highlights the need for a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate for the priesthood, rather than focusing solely on their sexual orientation.
The document also underscores that gay priests, like all other clergy, must abstain from sexual relationships, adhering to celibacy.
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The official position of the Catholic Church is that homosexual individuals should be treated with dignity and respect. However, homosexual activity is considered "intrinsically disordered."
Women, regardless of their sexual orientation, are still barred from access to the Catholic priesthood.
In 2023, the Vatican allowed transgender individuals to receive baptism and serve as godparents during weddings.
However, for the baptism of a child raised in homosexual families, there must be a "well-founded hope that the child will be educated in the Catholic faith."
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