Vatican criticizes conversion therapy, features gay Catholic testimony in 'historic' report
The report says conversion therapies caused profound suffering and includes rare testimonies from two married gay Catholics.
- A new Vatican working group report this week includes unprecedented testimony from LGBTQ+ Catholics, marking the first time an official Vatican document has featured detailed personal stories from gay, married Catholics about their faith and experiences.
- Tensions arose after German bishops issued guidelines in April 2025 for same-sex blessings that seemingly exceed the Vatican's 2023 declaration, 'Fiducia Supplicans,' which permits only spontaneous, nonliturgical blessings to same-sex couples.
- In a 2024 letter released this week, doctrine chief Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez argued the German guidelines resemble marriage rites and "in this sense effectively legitimizes the status of these couples, contrary to what is stated" by the Holy See.
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Wednesday that sanctions against German priests using the guidelines were "premature," while German Cardinal Reinhard Marx recently recommended priests in his archdiocese continue using them for pastoral care.
- Conservative critics like Bishop Joseph Strickland called the report "deeply alarming" and a "direct assault upon Catholic moral doctrine," while American Jesuit Rev. James Martin argued it signals meaningful progress in the church's outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics.
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The Vatican is sending new signals on how it intends to pastorally care for LGBTQ+ Catholics in the age of Leo XIV, with signs of openness and limitations after Pope Francis fostered a remarkable welcome during his 12 years of pontificate.
Associated Press News
Vatican sending new signals of openness but limitations in outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics
The Vatican is sending new signals about how it intends to minister to LGBTQ+ Catholics in the Pope Leo XIV era. There are signs of openness and limitations.
Critics Say Synod Report Undermines Church Teaching, Misrepresents Courage
Matteo Pernaselci The Vatican is seen on May 6. The final report of Study Group 9 includes testimonies from ‘married’ gay men, questions whether same-sex relations are sinful, and draws strong criticism for its treatment of Courage International.
Vatican report highlights 'profound suffering' of LGBTQ+ Catholics
A new report from the Vatican has highlighted the “pain” and “profound suffering” experienced by LGBTQ+ Catholics, particularly in the context of conversion therapy, for the first time ever. The historic Synod report, which was released on 5 May, includes testimonies from two gay Catholic men – one from the United States and one from Portugal – in same-sex marriages who had undergone the so-called ‘conversion therapy’. The man from the US told o…
Vatican makes history with first official report ever to quote married gay men
The Vatican released a study group document that has surprised gay Catholics for including their voices on “controversial” subjects affecting the Church. “ It’s a big deal,” said Fr. James Martin, a founder of Outreach, an LGBTQ Catholic ministry, to the National Catholic Reporter. Related Pope opposes German bishops, says church shouldn’t bless same-sex couples The interviews were included in a report from theologians convened by the Vatican …
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