The Vatican Issues Warning Against Gender Theory and Gender-Affirming Surgery
In a new document signed and approved by Pope Francis, the Vatican has issued a strong warning against “gender theory” and stated that any gender-affirming surgery risks threatening “the unique dignity” of a person. The declaration, titled “Dignitas Inifinita” (Infinite Dignity), focuses on various threats to human dignity, including poverty, the death penalty, war, assisted dying, abortion, sexual abuse, and the abuse of women.
The document emphasizes the rejection of attempts to obscure “the sexual difference between man and woman.” It states that any sex change intervention runs the risk of threatening the unique dignity of a person received from the moment of conception. The Vatican’s doctrine office, now run by a close Francis ally, Argentine Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, also recently allowed transgender people to act as godparents at baptisms and witnesses at marriages, a change from a 2015 ruling.
While Pope Francis has been critical of gender theory, he also provided pastoral support to transgender Catholics. The pontiff has met with a group of transgender Catholics from Torvaianica, encouraging an inclusive approach. The Vatican’s latest document also addresses surrogacy, stating that it violates both the dignity of the child and the woman involved.
Not all Catholics agree with the Vatican’s criticism of gender theory. LGBTQ+ groups within the Catholic community have labeled previous documents from the Vatican as harmful tools in addressing gender identity issues. However, the Vatican’s latest document identifies several “violations” of human dignity, including in the digital world, where personal lives are exposed and fixed anonymously.
Overall, the Vatican document emphasizes the equal dignity of all people and addresses a wide range of issues affecting human dignity. Pope Francis continues to advocate for the defense of unborn life and stands against practices that threaten human dignity.