The Vatican has given its blessing to a document suggesting that those with same-sex attraction can pursue the priesthood in Italy

"In the formative process, when referring to homosexual tendencies, it’s also appropriate not to reduce discernment only to this aspect, but, as for every candidate, to grasp its meaning in the global framework of the young person’s personality,

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

A provisional document published by the Italian Bishops’ Conference and approved by the Vatican cautiously opens the door for the ordination of openly gay men to the priesthood, while maintaining the requirement of chastity.

Gay men can now become Catholic priests – but only if they don’t have sex, a new Vatican guideline suggests. In a surprise U-turn, the Vatican has signalled that openly gay men can now train to become priests.