Vatican Approves Guidelines for Gay Men to Train as Priests in Italy, With Celibacy Required for 3-Year Trial

Jan 10, 2025, 08:32 PM

The Vatican has approved new guidelines from the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI) that allow gay men to enter seminaries and train to become priests in Italy, provided they remain celibate. The guidelines emphasize the importance of demonstrating an orientation towards a celibate life from the outset of seminary training. However, the Church will not admit individuals who practice homosexuality, have deeply rooted homosexual tendencies, or support what it refers to as 'gay culture.' The new rules, effective immediately, will be subject to review after a three-year trial period. This move reflects a nuanced shift under Pope Francis, who has sought to foster a more inclusive environment within the Catholic Church, despite past controversies, including his use of offensive language towards the gay community.