VATICAN CITY. In a declaration titled “Infinite Dignity,” the Vatican has ignited a global debate by condemning gender-affirming surgery, surrogacy, and gender theory as severe transgressions against human dignity, equating them with abortion and euthanasia.
The 20-page document, which has been in development for five years, was officially released by the Vatican’s doctrine office after receiving approval from Pope Francis on March 25. Within its pages, the Vatican reiterated its rejection of “gender theory,” emphasizing the divine intention of man and woman as biologically distinct entities.
“It follows that any sex-change intervention, as a rule, risks threatening the unique dignity the person has received from the moment of conception,” the document stated.
However, the Vatican made a distinction between gender-affirming surgeries and congenital genital abnormalities, affirming that the latter can be addressed with medical assistance.
Immediate criticism came from LGBTQ+ advocates within the Catholic community, who denounced the document as outdated and harmful, expressing concerns about its potential to exacerbate discrimination and violence against transgender individuals.
Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, an organization advocating for LGBTQ+ Catholics, lamented the document’s failure to extend its principle of respect and love to gender-diverse individuals.
Despite its conservative stance, the document also condemned the criminalization of homosexuality, aligning with Pope Francis’ previous assertion that being homosexual is not a crime.
Furthermore, the Vatican condemned surrogacy, arguing that it violates the dignity of both the surrogate mother and the child. This stance, though not new, underscores the Vatican’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of life.
The declaration also emphasized the need to address other threats to human dignity, including poverty, war, human trafficking, and forced migration.
During a news conference, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández acknowledged the strength of previous language condemning homosexual actions as “intrinsically disordered,” suggesting the possibility of finding alternative expressions to convey the Church’s teachings on human sexuality.
Despite criticisms, some welcomed the Vatican’s condemnation of legislation and violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the inherent dignity of all people.
While Pope Francis has emphasized outreach to LGBTQ+ individuals during his papacy, he has also criticized “gender theory” as a danger to humanity, particularly in its imposition on developing nations.
The document’s release coincides with a broader global debate on transgender rights, with some U.S. states considering legislation restricting medical care for transgender individuals.
In response to the Vatican’s pronouncement, transgender activists highlighted the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences of transgender and intersex individuals, urging a more empathetic approach.
The Vatican’s declaration underscores the ongoing tension between traditional religious teachings and evolving societal attitudes towards gender identity and sexuality, reflecting a complex and multifaceted global conversation on human dignity and rights.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
