In accordance with the document published by the information portal Vatican News, transgender individuals can be baptized into the Roman Catholic Church and serve as godparents and witnesses at weddings. The document is a detailed response to questions posed by Brazilian Bishop José Negri in July and was signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
It is stated that this stance of the Vatican was approved by Pope Francis in October.
The document states that transgender people have the opportunity to be baptized even if they have undergone hormonal treatment or gender reassignment surgery. But the main condition is that there is no risk of a public scandal or disorientation of believers.
Regarding the baptism of children of same-sex couples, including those born through surrogacy, the document states that the diasterate allows the baptism of these children if there is a real hope of raising them in the Catholic faith.
The document also recognizes the ability of transgender people to act as godparents under certain circumstances. However, in such cases it is advisable to be careful and avoid the possibility of scandal or confusion within the church community. Canon law does not prohibit transgender people from being witnesses at a wedding.
A similar position is being formulated for homosexuals who want to become godparents. However, it is emphasized that in such cases it is necessary for the person to live his life in accordance with his faith and the commitments made in the Catholic faith. The Dicastery calls for caution to preserve the sacrament of baptism. The Vatican does not see any obstacle to homosexuals being witnesses at weddings.
Vatican in 2021 denied homosexuals at weddings.
Previously Milonov supported Uganda’s decision to ban LGBT people from coming out.