Vatican Preparing Document on ‘Sex-Change Surgery, Surrogacy, and Gender Ideology’

January 17, 2024

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The Vatican’s doctrinal office, led by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, is in the process of drafting a document addressing some of the most debated issues in contemporary society, including gender ideology, sex-change surgery, and surrogacy.

Cardinal Fernández, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, revealed this in a recent interview, emphasizing the document’s focus on human dignity.

Cardinal Fernández stated, “We are preparing a very important document on human dignity that not only includes social issues, but also a strong criticism of moral issues such as sex-change surgery, surrogacy, and gender ideologies.”

This declaration comes closely on the heels of Pope Francis’s outspoken criticism of surrogate motherhood, labeling it “deplorable” and a severe infringement of the dignity of women and children.

The upcoming document is expected to build on the Vatican’s existing stance on these subjects. Pope Francis has previously criticized gender theory, describing it as one of the “most dangerous ideological colonizations” and a threat to the natural distinction and value of men and women.

Cardinal Fernández’s tenure as Prefect has been marked by engagement with complex and often contentious doctrinal issues.

His office has recently responded to inquiries regarding the participation of transgender individuals in sacraments, the Church’s position on Freemasonry, the proper handling of cremation ashes, and blessings of couples in irregular situations.

Despite the anticipated strong stance in the forthcoming document, Cardinal Fernández suggests a future of fewer controversies, saying, “I don’t think I will be in the news in the foreseeable future because in the dicastery we don’t foresee topics that could be very controversial, like the last ones.”

The Vatican’s doctrinal office aims to clarify and reinforce the Church’s teachings on these pressing moral issues, reaffirming the importance of human dignity amidst the challenges posed by modern ideologies and practices.