On April 8, the Vatican reaffirmed its opposition to gender changes, gender theory and surrogate parenthood, as well as abortion and euthanasia, Reuters reported.
This newest documentthe 20-page Dignitas infinita (Infinite dignity)comes four months after supporting blessings for same-sex couples.
However, at the same time, the head of its doctrinal office (DDF), Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, said the Vatican opposed the criminalization of homosexuality, as practiced by some countries with the support of local Catholic groups.
Regarding gender theory, the Vatican said, "Desiring a personal self-determination ... amounts to a concession to the age-old temptation to make oneself God, entering into competition with the true God of love revealed to us in the Gospel."
Pope Francis approved the document last month after requesting that it also mention "poverty, the situation of migrants, violence against women, human trafficking, war, and other themes," Fernandeza liberal theologian and personal friend of the pope, a fellow Argentinesaid in a statement.
Andrew Davis