Pope Francis, who has made reaching out to L.G.B.T.Q.
Catholics a hallmark of his papacy, has made clear that transgender people can be baptized, serve as godparents and be witnesses at church weddings, furthering his vision of a more inclusive church.
The pope’s embrace of transgender people’s participation in the church was revealed in a Vatican document that he approved on Oct. 31 and that was posted online Wednesday.
The decision “signals Pope Francis’ desire for a pastorally focused approach to L.G.B.T.Q.+ issues is taking hold,” he added.
The immediate public response from American bishops, who have taken more restrictive stances on transgender issues, was generally muted.
Persons:
Pope Francis, ” Francis DeBernardo, Pope Francis ’, ”
Organizations:
Roman Catholic Church, New Ways Ministry, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Locations:
Maryland