Cardinal Domenico Battaglia, Archbishop of Naples, has written the foreword to Persone transgender. Scienze, teologie, pastorali, a book that brings transgender identities into the realm of theology and the Church’s pastoral practice. In his text, the prelate maintains that the Church is called to “renew its gaze upon the human person” and to “cross new thresholds without losing its soul” in the face of transformations related to identity, the body, and consciousness.
Battaglia presents gender dysphoria and transgender identities as realities that raise “profound questions. Also for the Church,” calls for “not rushing to define,” and proposes a path “not of judgment, but of accompaniment.” The cardinal does not, however, mention the teaching upheld by the Magisterium on the sexed condition of the human person and the unity of body and soul, reaffirmed in contemporary debates on gender theory and sex change in recent documents such as Dignitas infinita.
The foreword has been published in full by Outreach, the LGBT-focused portal of America Media directed by Jesuit James Martin. The outlet notes that the text was translated from the original Italian and published with Cardinal Battaglia’s authorization.
The Archbishop of Naples begins by describing the present as a “fragile and complex” time, yet also “fruitful,” because it forces us “to take nothing for granted.” In his view, this moment “deeply challenges the Church,” which would be called to “renew its gaze upon the human person” and to “cross new thresholds without losing its soul.”
Battaglia situates his reflection in a world marked by “profound transformations in the experience of identity, relationships, the body, and consciousness.” In the face of these changes, he believes the ecclesial community must walk “with a spirit of listening and discernment,” remaining faithful to the Gospel while attentive to the concrete experiences of persons.
It is in this context that he directly introduces the transgender question.
“The issue of gender dysphoria, transgender identities, and life experiences that do not conform to traditional models raises profound questions. Also for the Church,” he writes.
His proposal consists of an “even more respectful and attentive” listening and a “path that is not of judgment, but of accompaniment.”
“No one is excluded from the heart of God. No life is foreign to the mystery of salvation,” he adds.
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