The Catholic Church has made a groundbreaking move, allowing gay men to enter the priesthood under the condition of celibacy.
The updated guidelines, approved by Italian bishops, mark a departure from previous Vatican stances that barred men with “deep-seated homosexual tendencies” from becoming priests.
According to the document, “it is appropriate not to reduce discernment to this aspect alone but to understand its meaning within the whole framework of the young person’s personality.”
Pope Francis, often seen as a more progressive leader of the Catholic Church, has previously signaled openness toward the LGBTQ+ community.
His leadership has included allowing priests to bless same-sex couples in certain circumstances.
However, the topic of gay men entering the priesthood has remained a sensitive and controversial issue until now.
