In a recent pronouncement, the Vatican has equated sex reassignment procedures and surrogacy with grave infringements on human dignity, aligning them with contentious issues such as abortion and euthanasia as refuting God’s intent for life.
The doctrinal congregation of the Holy See released a comprehensive 20-page document entitled “Infinite Dignity,” which received the endorsement of Pope Francis on March 25 and was subsequently made public. This manifesto, which underwent considerable refinement over the past several months, reasserts the Church’s position against “gender theory,” upholding the perspective that changing one’s gender rebels against the divine differentiation of male and female at creation.
Highlighting the gravity of the matter, the document states that gender-modification surgeries typically pose a danger to the singular dignity inherent to a person from conception onward.
It draws a line between such gender-affirming surgeries, which it disapproves, and congenital or postnatally developed “genital abnormalities,” which the document suggests may receive medical intervention.
Rumored since 2019 and recently confirmed by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the document appears to cater to conservative viewpoints, especially following previous controversy over his document that sanctioned blessings for same-sex pairs.
In a shift, the declaration criticizes legal systems, including those in many African nations, that impose criminal penalties on individuals for their sexual orientation, suggesting that homosexuality should not be a criminal offense. This aligns with a statement Pope Francis made in an interview with The Associated Press.
“It needs to be emphasized that biological sex and the sociocultural role of sex (gender) can be distinguished but not separated”
– From the Vatican’s “Infinite Dignity” declaration
The Vatican urges countries to recognize the dignity of individuals regardless of sexual orientation, condemning imprisonment, torture, and execution based on this premise.
Additionally, the document extends its condemnation to the practice of surrogacy, positioning it as a violation against both the surrogate and the child conceived, and thereby advocating the child’s right to a natural and dignified lineage.
Building upon its 2019 declaration, the Vatican continues to oppose the notion that gender identity is a matter of personal choice and once again emphasizes the persisting Catholic stance on abortion and euthanasia.
While some aspects of the document consider previous statements on sexuality, they also draw attention to the vehemently opposed hostility and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, which Rev. James Martin, a notable advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the Church, praised.
Members of the transgender community have criticized the implications regarding gender-affirming healthcare, arguing that the document fails to understand the lived realities of trans individuals, especially when juxtaposing their situations with those of intersex persons.
This announcement comes amidst a wave of legislative actions in the US that target transgender rights, demonstrating the intersection of religious doctrine and socio-political dynamics.
FAQ Section
What is the Vatican’s stance on gender theory and gender transition surgeries?
The Vatican opposes gender theory, which it describes as an idea that one’s gender can be changed. The recent document “Infinite Dignity” reiterates this position, stating that gender-affirming surgeries often threaten the unique dignity given to a person at conception.
How does the Vatican view surrogacy?
In “Infinite Dignity,” the Vatican expresses its view that surrogacy compromises the dignity of both the surrogate mother and the child, and asserts that the desire for a child does not equate to a right to a child in a way that overlooks the child’s dignity.
Does the Vatican believe homosexuality is a crime?
No, Pope Francis has asserted, and the Vatican’s doctrinal teaching now includes, that being homosexual is not a crime. The recent document strongly denounces any form of violence or discrimination against individuals based on sexual orientation.
What has been the response from the LGBTQ+ community?
Some LGBTQ+ activists and advocates have criticized the document as “hurtful” and indicative of a lack of understanding and recognition of their experiences. They particularly object to the document’s approval of interventions on intersex individuals and its failure to acknowledge the benefits of gender-affirming healthcare for transgender individuals.
Conclusion
The Vatican’s document “Infinite Dignity” is a consolidation of existing church doctrines regarding human dignity, life issues, and gender, now framed within a broader narrative of human dignity. While reaffirming its traditional teachings, the document also condemns human rights abuses based on sexual orientation and emphasizes the inherent dignity of all persons. As these religious perspectives intersect with contemporary issues of gender identity and rights, the dialogue between the Vatican and the LGBTQ+ community remains both complex and evolving.