Ga.y men will be allowed to train as priests in Roman Catholic seminaries, so long as they observe celibacy, according to new guidelines announced by the Italian Bishops Conference (CIE)
The decision marks a shift from the view previously held by Pope Francis that ga.y men should not be admitted to seminaries owing to the risk of them leading a double life.
According to the guidelines, the most important thing for aspiring priests is to show “an orientation towards celibate life”.
“In the formative process, when reference is made to ho.mo.se.xual tendencies, it is appropriate not to reduce discernment to this aspect alone,” the CIE said on Friday, adding that “the objective of the training for priesthood in the emotional-se.xual sphere is the ability [to] welcome chastity in celibacy as a gift, to freely choose and to responsibly live it.”
However, it reiterated that while the Catholic church “deeply respects the people in question”, ga.y men who are se.xually active cannot be admitted to seminaries or any other holy orders.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
End time