Vatican eases policy on seminarians' sexual orientation
The Vatican has approved new guidelines for Italian bishops, permitting homosexual individuals to enter the seminary on the condition that they abstain from sexual relations. The document was published on the website of the Italian episcopate.
This represents a substantial shift in the Church's stance. Previously, Benedict XVI explicitly prohibited the admission of individuals with "deep-seated homosexual tendencies" to the seminary.
This position was reaffirmed by Pope Francis in 2018 during a meeting with Italian bishops, advising them to "vet carefully applicants to the priesthood and reject anyone they suspected might be homosexual."
New guidelines in Italy
The new guidelines on the Italian episcopate's website state that seminary leaders should consider the sexual orientation of candidates for the priesthood, but only as one aspect of their personality. They cannot admit individuals who "practise homosexuality" to the seminaries.
"When referring to homosexual tendencies in the formation process, it is also appropriate not to reduce the discernment to this aspect alone, but … to understand its meaning within the whole framework of the young person's personality," the guidelines state.
The document was approved by the bishops in November 2024 and is being introduced on a trial basis for three years.
Revolution in the Vatican's approach
This marks a substantial change in the Vatican's approach. Previously, at the onset of his pontificate, Benedict XVI issued explicit instructions prohibiting such individuals from being admitted to seminaries; this was reconfirmed by Francis with his update in 2016. During a private meeting with bishops, the Pope reportedly made derogatory remarks about homosexual individuals, which the Vatican later apologised for.
Conversely, it was Francis who sanctioned the blessing of homosexual couples by priests under certain circumstances.
