Vatican Approves Transgender People Receiving Baptism and Becoming Godparents

The Vatican released a document affirming that individuals with gender-identity disorders can receive baptism and be named as godparents, but under specific circumstances.

The document was a response to a request for guidance by Brazilian Bishop Giuseppe Negri of Santo Amaro and was signed by Pope Francis.

However, the guidance also specified that the inclusion of individuals with gender-identity disorders should not cause 'scandal' or 'disorientation'.

The same stipulation applies to their eligibility as godparents or witnesses at marriages.

The ruling's ambiguity aligns with previous theological statements from the Vatican under Pope Francis, making it challenging for clergy to decipher its implementation.

Father Brian Graebe, a priest with the Archdiocese of New York, believes the Vatican's guidance does not contradict church teachings but may be insufficient.

He noted that the document fails to affirm the use of correct biological pronouns and the importance of baptismal names.

The Catholic Church views gender ideology and transgender lifestyles as a 'grave disorder' in need of correction through spiritual and secular therapy.

Pope Francis has been vocal about his concerns over gender ideology, referring to it as one of the 'most dangerous ideological colonizations'.

Nevertheless, the Catholic Church emphasizes the sanctity and value of every human being, regardless of their lifestyles or behavior.

Father Graebe believes that the sacraments, including baptism, may be available to anyone who approaches them with sincere faith.

However, the liturgical inclusion of unrepentant individuals engaged in sinful behavior could be considered 'scandalous' according to Church teachings.

Father Graebe insists that it is essential to affirm God's creation and refer to individuals as the gender they were created to be.

Pope Francis has cautioned against eliminating differences and erasing humanity through an anthropology of gender.

The argument surrounding gender subjectivity is complex and continues to be a topic of debate within the Catholic Church.

Overall, the Vatican's document attempts to provide guidance while addressing the complexities and sensitivities of gender-identity issues.