Catholic leaders in Italy hold first national conference on LGBTQ+ pastoral ministry

The Catholic Church in Italy held its first national conference dedicated to pastoral ministry with LGBTQ+ individuals. The gathering, titled ‘Good Practices in Pastoral Ministry with Homosexual and Transgender People’, took place on September 4 at the General Curia of the Society of Jesus in Rome.

Approximately 200 participants, including about ten bishops, attended the event to discuss ways to better listen to, welcome, and support gay, lesbian, and transgender believers within their communities. While the conference does not represent a change in formal Church doctrine regarding sexuality, it focused on practical initiatives to reduce stigma and integrate LGBTQ+ people and their families into ordinary diocesan life.

Several dioceses shared existing programs, such as the ‘First Steps’ initiative from the Diocese of Cremona and the ‘Coordination for Inclusive Pastoral Ministry’ from the Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto. The Archdiocese of Florence also highlighted its pastoral inclusion efforts, including Casa di Andrea, which provides temporary housing for LGBTQ+ youth facing family difficulties.