The Vatican has made new rules for Italy that allow gay men to train to become priests if they promise to stay celibate, which means they cannot have romantic or sexual relationships.
These rules say that being gay should not be the only thing deciding whether someone can become a priest. Instead, leaders at seminaries (schools that prepare men to become priests) should look at the whole person, including their character and behavior.
The Catholic Church still believes that same-sex relationships go against its teachings, but the new guidelines clarify that a gay man can join the priesthood if he remains chaste and emotionally healthy.
This is a big deal because, for a long time, the Church has struggled with the fact that some priests are gay, even though its teachings discourage same-sex relationships.
The rules, approved by the Vatican, will be tested in Italy for three years. They explain that celibacy is an important part of becoming a priest, no matter a candidate’s sexual orientation.
Some Church leaders, like Father James Martin, think this is a step forward. He believes it shows the Church is becoming more open to gay Catholics who follow its teachings on celibacy.
However, not everyone agrees. Pope Francis has sometimes used harsh words about gay men in seminaries, which has upset many who see him as welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.
For now, these new rules are only for Italy, but they represent a change that could lead to more equal treatment of gay men in the Church.
