Gay men will be able to train as priests in Roman Catholic seminaries as long as they respect celibacy, according to new guidelines announced by the Italian Bishops' Conference.
The decision marks a departure from Pope Francis' previous position, in which he argued that gay men should not be admitted to the seminary because of the risk of leading a double life.
According to the guidelines, the most important thing for future priests is to show an "orientation towards celibate life" , reports the Guardian.
"During the formation process, when we refer to homosexual tendencies, it is appropriate not to limit the difference to this aspect only ," the CIE said Friday, adding that "the goal of priestly education in the emotional-sexual field is the ability to welcome chastity in celibacy as a gift, to choose it freely and to live it responsibly" .
However, the decision reiterates that while the Catholic Church "deeply respects the persons in question" , homosexual men who are sexually active cannot be admitted to the priesthood or any other holy order.
Since being elected pope in 2013, Francis has tried to adopt a more inclusive tone toward LGBTQ+ people in his public statements, drawing the ire of conservative cardinals.
In December 2023, he approved a decision allowing priests to bless celibate and same-sex couples, in a major shift in position for the Catholic Church. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
