The Vatican's new document "Dignitas Infinita" has sparked concern among LGBTQ+ parishioners and allies due to its criticism of gender-affirming procedures and emphasis on a binary view of gender. Despite Pope Francis's efforts to make the Catholic Church more inclusive, the document's conservative views on trans rights have been seen as a setback. LGBTQ+ advocates fear it could fuel discrimination and contribute to global rhetoric curtailing trans rights, especially as political attacks on trans people have increased.
The Vatican, endorsed by Pope Francis, has released a document denouncing gender-affirming surgery, gender theory, and surrogacy as grave violations of human dignity, reaffirming the church's opposition to abortion and euthanasia. The document also reasserts the church's opposition to the criminalization of homosexuality but has been criticized by LGBTQ advocates as outdated and harmful, potentially fueling anti-trans violence and discrimination. The declaration comes at a time of backlash against transgender people, with Republican-led state legislatures in the United States considering bills restricting medical care for transgender young people.
The Vatican released a 20-page declaration condemning gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy as grave violations of human dignity, aligning them with abortion and euthanasia. The document, approved by Pope Francis, reiterated the rejection of "gender theory" and emphasized the biological differences between man and woman. LGBTQ+ advocates criticized the document as outdated and harmful, while the Vatican's doctrine office defended its stance, also denouncing the criminalization of homosexuality in some countries. The document also addressed surrogacy, stating it violates the dignity of the surrogate mother and the child, and comes amid a backdrop of increasing hostility towards transgender people in some parts of the world.
The funeral of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York drew condemnation from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, with a senior church official denouncing the event as a scandal. Gentili, known for her advocacy work for transgender people, sex workers, and those with HIV, was celebrated by a large audience at the cathedral. The controversial funeral sparked a statement of outrage from the church, leading to a subsequent Mass of Reparation. The event also featured a performance by "Pose" actor Billy Porter, drawing criticism from conservative groups.
The funeral of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York drew condemnation from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, sparking controversy. The church official called the event a scandal and held a Mass of Reparation following the funeral. Gentili, known for her advocacy work, received praise from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and was mourned by a large audience at the cathedral, including a performance by "Pose" actor Billy Porter. The event has sparked debate and condemnation from conservative groups.
The funeral of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York drew denunciation from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, leading to a Mass of Reparation. Gentili, a prominent advocate for transgender people, sex workers, and those with HIV, was celebrated by over 1,000 attendees, including a performance by "Pose" actor Billy Porter. The event sparked controversy within the Catholic community, with the church condemning the funeral as sacrilegious and scandalous, while supporters praised Gentili's impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
The New York Archdiocese condemned the behavior at the funeral of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili, held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, stating that they were deceived about her identity and that the funeral was "scandalous." While the funeral celebrated Gentili's advocacy for marginalized communities, the archdiocese criticized the use of a sacred hymn and a speaker's reference to Gentili as "the mother of all whores." Gentili's friends defended the funeral as a reflection of her impact and love for her community, while the archdiocese expressed outrage over the event.
The Roman Catholic archdiocese of New York City has condemned the funeral service for transgender activist Cecilia Gentili at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, where some mourners cheered her as “the mother of all whores”. The packed funeral took place 10 days after Gentili's death, with the archdiocese stating that it had no idea the service would be degraded in such a sacrilegious way. While some criticized the service as a mockery of the Christian faith, others praised the church for hosting a funeral for a transgender woman. Gentili's family accused the archdiocese of hypocrisy and anti-trans hatred, while organizers and attendees celebrated her life and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Archdiocese of New York has condemned the funeral service for transgender activist Cecilia Gentili at St. Patrick's Cathedral, stating that the church was unaware the service would include elements that they deemed sacrilegious and deceptive. The service, which featured a performance by LGBTQ advocate Billy Porter, has sparked criticism from the Archdiocese, while Gentili's family has labeled the backlash as hypocrisy and expressed their intention to continue celebrating her life.
Pope Francis strongly defends his decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples, denouncing the "hypocrisy" of those who criticize LGBTQ blessings while overlooking other grave sins. The move has faced significant resistance, particularly from African bishops, who have effectively rejected the Vatican's authorization. Francis, known for promoting a more welcoming and less judgmental Catholic Church, has emphasized that blessings do not amount to formal Church approval for same-sex unions and hopes critics will eventually understand them, while acknowledging the special opposition to homosexuality in Africa.
Pope Francis stated that African opposition to homosexuality is a "special case" and expressed confidence that critics of his decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples, except for Africans, would eventually understand it. He acknowledged the strong resistance from African bishops and emphasized the need for sensitivity and context when giving blessings. The pope also addressed the possibility of meeting the president of Argentina and his health concerns, while reiterating the importance of a two-state solution for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
