Vatican: «Yes to the baptism of trans and gay people, they can also be godparents and wedding witnesses»
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith collects the indications of Pope Francis, that "todos, todos, todos" with which he asked to welcome everyone into the Church
A transsexual can receive baptism "under the conditions of other believers", and can act as godfather or witness at a wedding. Even homosexuals who live with another person can be godparents and witnesses at the wedding.
These are the indications that come from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, led by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, which responds to some questions that were sent in July 2023 by Monsignor José Negri, bishop of Santo Amaro in Brazil, containing some questions regarding the possible participation in the sacraments of baptism and marriage by transsexual and homo-affective people.
Answers that could spark controversy: especially regarding the Vatican's indications on godparents and wedding witnesses, which are unprecedented.
On the other hand, the Argentine Fernandez responds to that appeal from Pope Francis ("Todos, todos,
todos") with which the Pontiff repeatedly asked to welcome everyone into the Church.
Transsexuals and baptism
«A transsexual, who has also undergone hormonal treatment and sex reassignment surgery, can receive baptism, under the same conditions as other believers, if there are no situations in which there is a risk of generating public scandal or disorientation among the faithful. In the case of children or adolescents with transsexual problems, if well prepared and willing, they can receive baptism", is the Vatican's indication.
Witnesses and godparents
«A trans person can also be a witness at a wedding or godfather of a baptized person: «Under certain conditions, an adult transsexual who has also undergone hormonal treatment and sex reassignment surgery can be admitted to the role of godfather or godmother. However, since this task does not constitute a right, pastoral prudence demands that it not be permitted if there is a risk of scandal."
Gay parents
The problem of gay parents or those who had their child through pregnancy for others is also addressed. "Can two homo-affective people appear as parents of a child, who must be baptised, and who was adopted or obtained through other methods such as a rented womb?", the bishop of Brazil asked the Vatican.
The response of the Dicastery of Faith: «For the child to be baptized there must be a well-founded hope that he will be educated in the Catholic religion».
(Unioneonline/L)
