Rome is set to witness a significant milestone in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the LGBTQ+ community as Pope Francis has announced a special jubilee pilgrimage dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. The initiative, which is being reported by Italian media, marks the first time a specific event of this nature will be held under the auspices of the Catholic Church.
Scheduled for September 5, this event will take place at the Jesuit Church of the Gesù in central Rome. The Jubilee 2025 initiative has been sponsored by Jonathan’s Tent, an Italian pro-LGBTQ+ organisation established in 2018 by Father David Esposito, a Catholic priest. The objective of this group is to promote reconciliation between “homosexuality and faith,” aiming to create a more inclusive environment within the Church.
Gabriele Piazzoni, the general secretary of Arcigay, one of Italy’s principal LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, expressed a positive outlook regarding the proclamation. Speaking to the publication, Piazzoni stated, “Any initiative aimed at welcoming LGBTQIA+ people and overcoming the obstacles they encounter in fully exercising their rights, including those of a spiritual life, can only be welcomed by us with applause and enthusiasm.” However, he also noted the ongoing challenges for Catholics concerning various issues, including gay rights, abortion, and euthanasia. “Catholics are still today the most hostile politicians to the exercise of our freedoms… these remain facts that are difficult to overcome with a pilgrimage, however welcome and positive in itself,” he added.
Rosario Coco, president of Gaynet, echoed Piazzoni’s sentiments while urging for more substantial progress. Coco proposed that with the start of this Jubilee, advocates should focus on “shelving the rhetoric of gender and reach a clear position against conversion practices and the criminalization of homosexuality and trans people around the world.”
While the announcement has been welcomed by many within the LGBTQ+ community, it brings to light the complexities within the Church’s stance on gender identity and sexual orientation. The Italian daily, Il Messaggero, commented on Pope Francis’ paradoxical position, acknowledging his openness towards homosexual individuals while simultaneously addressing concerns regarding “gay lobbies” and the admission of boys with such identities into seminaries. The publication highlighted his calls for bishops to confront issues related to “faggotry” in Catholic seminaries, showcasing the intricate and often contentious dialogue regarding LGBTQ+ rights in a religious context.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://catholicvote.org/gay-pilgrims-to-have-special-day-during-jubilee/ – Corroborates the approval by Pope Francis of a pilgrimage specifically for LGBT individuals as part of the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, and details the event’s schedule and location at the Church of the Gesù.
- https://catholicvote.org/gay-pilgrims-to-have-special-day-during-jubilee/ – Provides information on the initiative being organized by Father Pino Piva and supported by prominent Church figures, including Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Father Arturo Sosa.
- https://catholicvote.org/gay-pilgrims-to-have-special-day-during-jubilee/ – Mentions the involvement of the Italian LGBT association ‘Tenda di Gionata’ (Jonathan’s Tent) in organizing the pilgrimage and their mission of promoting LGBT inclusion within the Church.
- https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=64150 – Confirms the report from Il Messaggero about the LGBTQ pilgrimage, including the prayer vigil and Mass at the Gesu church, despite the Vatican not officially announcing it.
- https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=64150 – Details the participation of Bishop Francesco Savino in the Mass and the significance of the event within the Jubilee Year 2025.
- https://catholicvote.org/gay-pilgrims-to-have-special-day-during-jubilee/ – Highlights the complexities and internal resistance within the Church regarding the LGBT-specific pilgrimage and the broader stance on gender identity and sexual orientation.
- https://catholicvote.org/gay-pilgrims-to-have-special-day-during-jubilee/ – Discusses the historical context and previous Church directives on pastoral care for homosexual individuals, emphasizing the need for care rooted in Church teachings.
- https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=64150 – Provides additional context on the event’s inclusion in the Jubilee calendar and the role of Monsignor Fisichella in facilitating the arrangements.
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