Jubilee 2025 to Welcome LGBT Pastoral Groups

Vatican, December 11, 2024: For the first time in history, the Catholic Church will include LGBT pastoral groups in the Holy Year of Jubilee 2025, marking a significant step in its efforts toward inclusivity. Scheduled for September 6, 2025, the event will feature a dedicated day for Christian and Catholic associations involved in LGBT pastoral care. Spearheaded by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization under Archbishop Rino Fisichella, this initiative aligns with Pope Francis’ vision of a welcoming Church. While emphasizing that this inclusion does not equate to sponsorship of specific events, Vatican representatives reiterated the message that “all are welcome,” reflecting a balanced approach to contentious issues.

The initiative is led by “Tenda di Gionata” (Jonathan’s Tent), an organization founded in 2018 and inspired by the late Don David Esposito’s vision of creating a more inclusive Church. Drawing on Isaiah’s call to “enlarge the tent,” the group has worked to build welcoming spaces for LGBT individuals and their families within the Catholic community. The effort has received blessings from Pope Francis and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, fueling both support and criticism within and outside the Church.

While Catholic leaders have praised the initiative, it has sparked broader discussions among secular LGBT advocacy groups. Gabriele Piazzoni, secretary-general of Arcigay, hailed it as a step toward removing spiritual barriers for LGBTQIA+ individuals. However, figures like Roberta Parigiani of the Trans Identity Movement argue that such gestures must be backed by daily acts of inclusion. Rosario Coco, president of Gaynet, urged the Church to use the Jubilee as an opportunity to condemn harmful practices such as conversion therapy and the criminalization of LGBTQIA+ individuals globally.

The September 6 celebration will include an evening vigil, a pilgrimage through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and a Mass at the Church of the Gesù, a historic Jesuit site with a longstanding commitment to LGBT pastoral care. Participants including families, pastoral workers and rainbow associations, will gather for prayer and reflection, making the event a spiritual milestone within the broader Jubilee festivities.

By Catholic Connect Reporter