In a significant announcement, the Vatican’s doctrinal office, the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith, has stated that transgender people can serve as godparents at Roman Catholic baptisms, witnesses at religious weddings, and receive baptism themselves. The response came following questions from Bishop Jose Negri of Santo Amaro in Brazil regarding the participation of LGBT people in the sacraments of baptism and matrimony.
While the Vatican’s response was inclusive of transgender individuals, it was less clear on the role of same-sex couples in baptism ceremonies. The document emphasized the importance of a “well-founded hope” that a child of a same-sex couple would be educated in the Catholic religion for them to be baptized. Additionally, the response was nuanced regarding the role of individuals in same-sex relationships as godparents, stating that they must “lead a life that conforms to the faith.”
The Vatican’s doctrinal office has been under the leadership of Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, who signed the three pages of questions and answers, approved by Pope Francis on October 31. Pope Francis has consistently sought to make the Catholic Church more inclusive to the LGBT community without altering Church teachings. The recent response reflects an effort to strike a balance between welcoming transgender individuals and adhering to established Church doctrine.
