Vatican announces new guidelines allowing gay men to become priests in Italy under vow of celibacy

A 68-page document referred to people with homosexual tendencies studying in seminaries or disclosing this orientation and advised candidates not to openly demonstrate their sexuality.

The Vatican relaxed its guidelines on admitting gay men to Italian seminaries, allowing them to train as long as they remain celibate, reported T24. The norms were approved by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy and promulgated by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, head of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, on January 1, according to RPP Noticias.