Young gay men can enter the seminary (provided they are chaste and do not have “deeply rooted homosexual tendencies”). The Italian Episcopal Conference says so

From now on to be admitted to the seminars there will be no “barriers” to gay people as long as they demonstrate from the beginning that they show “orientation towards celibate life”, therefore that they remain chaste. The CEI writes it in the new guidelines for admission to seminars, specifying, however, that there must be no “deeply rooted homosexual tendencies” or those that support “the so-called gay culture”. In essence, there will not be a barrier to homosexuals as such, but to those who “practice”: which, however, also applies to heterosexual people, given that the Church recommends celibacy to them too, celibacy being a norm erga omnes.

It is not clear what procedures would be followed to establish whether or not the candidate practices celibacy and, above all, whether or not he is homosexual. «In the training process, when reference is made to homosexual tendencies» – writes the CEI – it is advisable not to reduce discernment only to this aspect». «The objective of the training of the candidate for the priesthood in the emotional-sexual sphere is the ability to welcome as a giftto freely choose and responsibly live chastity in celibacy.” It is reiterated, however, that “the Church, while respecting the people in question, cannot admit to the Seminary and Holy Orders those who practice homosexuality”.

Maurizio Maule / ipa-agency.net /

As we know, the topic of seminars and homosexuality was at the center of a controversy involving Pope Francis given that, not too long ago, speaking with the Italian bishops behind closed doors, the Pope had complained of an excess of “fr*ciness” (a concept repeated even days later, again in a closed meeting). A case in clear contrast with what Francis declared in 2013, when, during a press conference, referring to homosexuals he said: “Who am I to judge?”.