Gay men can train as priests but must be celibate, say Italian bishops
GuardianDEC 26 2024
Vatican Allows Gay Priests, Maintains Celibacy Rule
Above: Members and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community take part in a parade in Manila on Dec. 13, 2014. Image copyright: Jay Directo/Stringer/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
These new guidelines represent a progressive step toward equality in the Catholic Church, giving gay candidates the same opportunities as heterosexual ones while maintaining the Church's traditional values of celibacy and chastity.
Narrative B
This policy risks compromising traditional Catholic teaching on sexuality and could lead to challenges in maintaining celibacy requirements, potentially creating confusion about the Church's stance on homosexuality.