Archbishop of Naples Urges the Catholic Church to Accompany, Not Judge, Transgender People

Cardinal Domenico Battaglia, the Archbishop of Naples (Italy), stated that the Catholic Church should step away from a position of judgment regarding transgender individuals and instead accompany them on their life journeys. His reflections were included in the foreword to the book Transgender People: Sciences, Theologies, Pastoral Care (Persone transgender: Scienze, teologie, pastorali), published by the Catholic publishing house Queriniana and edited by Damiano Migliorini and Jesuit priest Giuseppe Piva. Excerpts of the text were published on September 4, 2026, by the Italian news agency ANSA, and also republished on the Catholic LGBTQ outreach website run by American Jesuit priest James Martin.

According to Battaglia, the issues of gender dysphoria, transgender identity, and life experiences that do not conform to traditional models represent a “complex and delicate issue” that raises profound questions for the Church. The cardinal urged the clergy not to rush to define things, but rather to “remain faithfully in the tension of the search,” opting for respectful and attentive listening. In his text, the prelate does not directly mention recent documents of the Magisterium of the Church, such as the declaration Dignitas infinita, focusing exclusively on the pastoral approach.

“No one is excluded from God’s heart,” the archbishop emphasized. He noted that behind any ideas, there are always real people who need to be met, listened to, and accompanied with “tenderness and care.”

Battaglia added that the Church currently needs “not so much judgment as dialogue,” and “not so much opinions as compassion.” According to him, only on this basis can true pastoral ministry be built, combining fidelity to the Gospel and closeness to the human condition.