The Vatican has introduced a new policy allowing gay men to apply for priesthood in Italy, provided they remain celibate.
According to reports, the guidelines uphold the Catholic Church’s stance that “homosexual tendencies” are “intrinsically disordered” and that individuals with “deep-seated” gay inclinations are not suited for the priesthood.
However, sexual orientation will no longer be an automatic disqualifier, as long as the applicant commits to chastity.
It is unlikely that this policy will extend to countries where homosexuality remains illegal or socially unacceptable. The decision reflects the Church’s ongoing struggle with the reality that seminaries have historically attracted gay men, despite its condemnation of same-sex relationships.
Last year, Pope Francis faced criticism for using an anti-gay slur when addressing the presence of gay men in seminaries. This ruling follows his recent announcement of the first woman appointed to a major office in the Vatican, signaling a potential shift in the Church’s approach to inclusion.
