A new document by the Italian bishops’ conference states that being openly gay no longer bars candidates from discerning the priesthood.

Pope Francis, 88, has throughout his papacy encouraged a more inclusive Roman Catholic Church, including for LGBTQ Catholics, even though official doctrine still states that same-sex acts are “intrins

The Vatican has approved new guidelines for Italian bishops, allowing homosexual individuals to enter the seminary on the condition that they refrain from sexual relations. The document was posted on the website of the Italian episcopate.

The Vatican has approved new guidelines saying gay men to train as priests in Italy, provided they do not 'flaunt' their homosexuality. The guidelines emphasise celibacy and the need for candidates to lead a chaste life.

Candidates for the seminary should not be disqualified based on sexual orientation, according to new church guidelines in Italy.