Transgender Catholics and a supportive priest expressed disappointment with a new Vatican document rejecting the concept of changing one’s biological sex. This was seen as a setback after recent moves by Pope Francis had encouraged some hope for greater acceptance within the church. The document did not use the word “transgender,” causing concern among the community. It also stated that God created man and woman as biologically different, discouraging any alterations to that design.
Members of the transgender community expressed hurt over the document’s implications and felt that it failed to show the same respect and love as Pope Francis had in his personal interactions. They emphasized the importance of affirming care for transgender individuals and highlighted the negative impact of denying this support. The Vatican document condemned gender-affirming surgery as a violation of human dignity, equating it with serious global issues. Transgender individuals felt their existence was being denied, and feared the possible consequences of such declarations.
While some U.S. dioceses have issued strict guidelines against gender transitions, there are also parishes that have welcomed transgender individuals. A priest from a parish in New Jersey, Rev. Alexander Santora, expressed concern over the potential harm that the Vatican document may bring to transgender individuals. He hoped for a more pastoral approach and suggested involving devout trans Catholics in discussions on the document. The diversity within the Catholic Church in the U.S. reflects varying opinions on transgender policies, with some showing acceptance and others resistance.
Transgender individuals emphasized their dignity and authenticity, asserting that transitioning is not about playing God but about accepting one’s true self. They called for understanding and dialogue within the church to recognize their unique gifts and contributions. Despite the disappointment over the Vatican document, there was optimism that the church would eventually come to fully embrace and appreciate the beauty and importance of transgender individuals. The conversation on transgender issues within the Catholic Church continues, with hopes for greater understanding and acceptance in the future.
