Italian Jesuit Theologian Paolo Gamberini Describes Homosexuality as God's Intention, Not a Mistake
On September 25, 2026, the American Catholic advocacy organization New Ways Ministry highlighted a theological reflection by Italian Jesuit priest and theology professor Father Paolo Gamberini, originally shared by the Italian Christian LGBTQ+ portal Progetto Gionata. According to New Ways Ministry , Gamberini argued that homosexual orientation is neither a consequence of sin nor a biological defect or mistake, but can be understood as part of God’s “creative overabundance” (sovrabbondanza creativa di Dio) and an intentional element of divine diversity in creation.
Gamberini, who currently holds the Donald I. MacLean S.J. Chair in Theology at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and previously taught dogmatic theology in Naples, noted that traditional theological and pastoral inquiries into the causes of homosexuality start from a flawed premise. All too often, he observed, such discussions assume homosexuality is an anomaly against an allegedly self-evident norm, requiring a negative explanation such as moral failing, original sin, trauma, or developmental error.
However, the theologian emphasized that these efforts face an insurmountable methodological limitation: theology lacks the conceptual tools to establish a causal connection between the theological category of sin and an existential orientation that is not chosen. Furthermore, modern sciences such as biology and psychology have not supported claims that sexual orientation results from environmental failures or relational dysfunction. Consequently, Gamberini argued, the rational basis for treating homosexuality as an illness, moral guilt, or intrinsic deficit collapses.
Rather than looking for flaws, Gamberini suggested turning to the biblical theology of creation. In the first chapter of Genesis, the created world is presented not as a uniform monoculture, but as a dynamic unfolding of diversity, distinction, and multiplicity of life (“according to their kinds”), which God declared to be “very good.” From this perspective, the Jesuit argued, it is both legitimate and theologically sustainable to consider whether diversity in human sexuality similarly reflects the richness of God’s creative action. He stressed that this proposal is not a definitive dogma, but a plausible hypothesis grounded in the principle that what cannot be proven to be disordered should not be presumed disordered.
Official Roman Catholic doctrine, codified in the Catechism, distinguishes between homosexual orientation and homosexual acts: sexual relations between persons of the same sex are defined as “intrinsically disordered” and contrary to natural law, while the inclination itself is termed “objectively disordered,” even though the Church directs that individuals must be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity without unjust discrimination. Conservative Catholic theologians and traditionalist groups maintain that this framework cannot be revised, arguing that sexuality is teleologically reserved for the complementary union of man and woman and procreation. Concurrently, reform-minded theologians and pastoral leaders, especially amidst Pope Francis’s synodal process, have increasingly advocated for rethinking traditional terminology and fostering genuine inclusion.
Progetto Gionata (“Project Jonathan”) was founded in 2007 as a communication and dialogue portal for Christian LGBTQ+ groups, families, and pastoral workers across Italy. The U.S.-based New Ways Ministry was established in 1977 by Sister Jeannine Gramick and Father Robert Nugent, and for nearly five decades has worked to support LGBTQ+ Catholics and promote equality within the Church.
Uránia previously reported that Bishop Francesco Savino, vice president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, called for restoring the dignity of LGBTQ+ Catholics and ending stigma during a pastoral conference in Rome.
