Vatican and White House Clash Over Gender Theory and Affirming Surgery

The Vatican released a 20-page declaration condemning gender-affirming surgery, surrogacy, and gender theory as grave violations of human dignity, equating them with abortion and euthanasia. The document, approved by Pope Francis, reiterated the rejection of "gender theory" and emphasized the biological differences between men and women as part of God's plan. LGBTQ+ advocates criticized the document as outdated and harmful, warning of potential real-world effects on trans people. The Vatican also denounced countries that criminalize homosexuality and declared surrogacy as violating the dignity of both the surrogate mother and the child. The document comes amid a backdrop of increasing backlash against transgender people in various parts of the world.