Italian Catholic Church LGBTQ+ pastoral conference

The Catholic Church in Italy held a national conference in Rome titled ‘Good Practices in Pastoral Ministry with Homosexual and Transgender People’. The event, held at the General Curia of the Society of Jesus, brought together approximately 200 pastoral workers and ten bishops to discuss practical ways to support LGBTQ+ believers.

Participants focused on sharing successful local initiatives to reduce stigma and integrate individuals and families into diocesan life, rather than debating formal Church doctrine. Specific programs highlighted included the ‘First Steps’ initiative from the Diocese of Cremona, the ‘Coordination for Inclusive Pastoral Ministry’ from the Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto, and the ‘Casa di Andrea’ in Florence, which provides housing for LGBTQ+ youth.

Clergy and volunteers noted that while implementing Church principles in practice remains a challenge, progress is being driven by real-world encounters. Some community members who previously remained silent to avoid alienation are reportedly finding new spaces for dialogue through the synodal process.