In a significant development, the Vatican has released a new document titled “Dignitas Infinita” (Infinite Dignity), endorsed by Pope Francis, which denounces gender-affirming surgery, gender theory, and surrogacy as grave violations of human dignity. This comprehensive 20-page document, produced by the Vatican’s doctrinal department after five years of deliberation, reflects Pope Francis’s 11-year papacy’s key themes, addressing critical social issues spanning from war to ecology and social justice.
The Vatican’s stance reaffirms the Catholic Church’s longstanding opposition to abortion and euthanasia and extends its rejection of gender theory, emphasizing that God created man and woman as distinct biological entities. The document underscores the Church’s position that altering one’s gender goes against God’s plan and should not be pursued.
While acknowledging the potential for surgical interventions to address genital abnormalities, the Vatican clarified that such procedures do not constitute a change in one’s sex as perceived in gender theory.
Regarding surrogacy, the Vatican declares it a violation of both the surrogate mother’s and the child’s dignity. Pope Francis, echoing sentiments expressed earlier in January, condemned surrogate parenting as “despicable” and advocated for a global ban on the practice.
Despite Pope Francis’s commitment to outreach and ministry to LGBTQ individuals, the document’s stance on gender theory has drawn criticism from advocacy groups. They argue that the document, by failing to apply its principles of infinite dignity to gender-diverse individuals, perpetuates harm and discrimination. LGBTQ advocates stress that gender-affirming healthcare plays a vital role in enabling transgender individuals to live in harmony with themselves and their communities, and its dismissal risks marginalizing and endangering their well-being.
Critics have also highlighted perceived inconsistencies, pointing out that positive assessments of surgical interventions on intersex individuals contrast sharply with the Vatican’s stance on gender-affirming procedures. They argue that the document fails to acknowledge the physical and psychological harm often caused by non-consensual surgical interventions on intersex individuals.
This declaration from the Vatican comes at a time of increasing hostility towards transgender individuals, exemplified by proposed legislation in various US states aiming to restrict medical care and rights for transgender youth and adults. Discussions around gender and identity have also permeated school policies and curricula, reflecting broader societal debates on inclusion and acceptance.
The Vatican’s stance on these issues raises complex questions about human dignity, medical ethics, and societal attitudes towards gender diversity. While it underscores the Catholic Church’s traditional teachings, it also highlights the ongoing tensions between religious doctrine and contemporary understandings of gender and identity. As these debates continue, advocates emphasize the importance of recognizing and respecting the inherent dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression.
