Transsexual people cannot be godparents, says Vatican

The Vatican has said transexuals cannot be godparents after a Spanish bishop sought official clarification from the church on the matter, it has emerged.

Dr Rafael Zornoza Boy said the Vatican's doctrinal arm replied that transsexuals "publicly show an attitude contrary to the moral requirement to resolve one's sexual identity problem according to the truth of one's sex".

“Therefore it is evident that this person does not possess the requirement of leading a life according to the faith and in the position of godfather and is therefore unable to be admitted to the position of godfather or godmother.”

In a statement on his diocese's website, Dr Zornoza Boy said: "Pope Francis has effectively said on several occasions, in line with Church teaching, that this behaviour is against man's nature."

The Church “wants to help everyone in their own situation with a compassionate heart, but without denying the truth it preaches,” the bishop added.

Dr Zornoza Boy said he made the query to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith because of confusion among the faithful, and the publicity given to the complicated subject.

An Italian conservative Catholic blog, Rorate Caeli, said the issue was first raised by a transexual, born a woman, who had asked to be godfather to his nephew.

In its reponse to Dr Zornoza Boy, the Vatican said its stance on transsexual godparents “should not be seen as discrimination”.

Reuters