Seminary candidates cannot be denied because of sexual orientation, must remain celibate
Event not ‘sponsored or organized by’ the Vatican
Meeting took place at pontiff’s Vatican residence on Oct. 12
Pope Francis approved doctrine office's document on March 25
"Vatican instructions for blessing same-gender couples offered a clear set of parameters for how, when, & what priests are supposed to do"
"Trans person, including those who have had gender affirmation surgery, can be baptized if the person is not likely to cause a scandal”
Pontiff vehemently opposed marriage equality in native Argentina
Retired pontiff resigned in 2013
“We wanted this to be a theological statement, not a political statement,” lead author Francis DeBernardo said
Md.-based New Ways Ministry released declaration on Monday
