Homosexuality in Seminaries: What Does the New Church Document in Italy Say?
Homosexuality in Seminaries: What Does the New Church Document in Italy Say?
The Italian bishops have published a new document on seminaries. Although the text consists of 119 points, all eyes have been on number 44, which confirms that people with homosexual tendencies can be priests.
This point has been considered to be an opening by the Church to allow homosexuals to enter the seminaries. But in reality, there is no change from what has already been said.
First of all, it is made clear that those who practice homosexuality, have deep-rooted homosexual tendencias, or support gay culture cannot be admitted. For the rest, the door would be open.
This is precisely what the Church has already pointed out on two occasions: first, in 2005; and then, in 2016.
A new point in the Italian Episcopal Conference document is when it speaks of discernment. The bishops point out that the sexual dimension is important in the priest, but they remember that it is not the only thing to which attention must be paid.
The Pope already made his position as pontiff known some time ago in a book interview.
ARCHIVO, 2018
MONS. FERNANDO PRADO
Author, 'The Strength of Vocation”
So, what he [the Pope] says is that when a person is homosexual and is already ordained, what he asks of him is that he be exquisite in the experience of his celibacy and that if he is not capable of living it like that, then it is better for him to abandon the ministry or consecrated life than to lead a double life.
In recent decades, the Vatican has generally advised against the ordination of people with homosexual tendencies who are unable to live with chastity.
CA
TR:GS
