Under new rules announced by the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CIE), individuals with homosexual tendencies can enter Roman Catholic seminaries if they confirm their commitment to celibate life.
A key criterion is the willingness to live a “chaste life in celibacy,” as emphasized in the guidelines. This decision marks a departure from Pope Francis’ position, as he had previously expressed doubts about admitting gay men to seminaries, fearing the potential for double lives. The new rules emphasize that the primary goal of priestly formation is the ability to freely choose and responsibly live a celibate life. However, it is stressed that those who are actively engaged in sexual relationships cannot be admitted to seminaries or other sacred orders.
An important incident occurred in May 2024, when Pope Francis apologized for using an offensive term while discussing the admission of gay men to seminaries. His comments sparked criticism, and he later clarified that he did not intend to express homophobic views.
Following this incident, the Pope invited a young man, Lorenzo Michele Noè Caruso, who had been expelled from the seminary due to his sexual orientation, to continue his studies and pursue a professional career.
