In a notable declaration, the Vatican has labeled gender-affirming surgeries and surrogacy as grave violations of human dignity, drawing comparisons to abortion and euthanasia. The document, titled "Infinite Dignity," was approved by Pope Francis after undergoing substantial revisions and has been five years in the making.

While Pope Francis has been recognized for his efforts to reach out to the LGBTQ+ community, the Vatican's stance on gender ideologies has been consistent. The document reiterates the Vatican's rejection of "gender theory," stating that altering one's biological sex goes against God's plan for human beings.

The Vatican distinguishes between gender-affirming surgeries, which it firmly rejects, and "genital abnormalities" present at birth or that develop later in life. The latter can be addressed with assistance from healthcare professionals, the document notes.

Immediately following the declaration, LGBTQ+ advocates expressed their criticism, considering it outdated and harmful. They argue that it contradicts the Vatican's stated goal of recognizing the "infinite dignity" of all individuals and warn that it may contribute to increased discrimination and violence against transgender individuals.

The Vatican's document also denounces the criminalization of homosexuality in certain countries, stating that such practices are contrary to human dignity. This aligns with Pope Francis' assertion in a 2023 interview that being homosexual is not a crime.

The White House issued a statement expressing President Joe Biden's satisfaction with the Vatican's declaration. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted the importance of protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from violence and imprisonment worldwide.

While the document seems to contradict Pope Francis' message of welcome, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, assures that the church remains open to all individuals. However, the pope firmly believes that treating gender as fluid undermines the concept of man and woman uniting to create new life.

The declaration also addresses surrogacy, asserting that it violates the dignity of both the surrogate mother and the child. The Vatican argues that the desire to have a child should not be transformed into a "right to a child" if it doesn't respect the child's dignity as the recipient of the gift of life.

Although the document quotes and tempers the tone of a previous Vatican position on gender from 2019, it notably avoids repeating the doctrine that homosexual actions are "intrinsically disordered."

Transgender activists have criticized the document for its failure to include the voices and experiences of real trans people, particularly in its differentiation between gender-affirming surgeries and surgeries on intersex individuals. They argue that gender-affirming healthcare has been life-saving for many trans individuals, allowing them to live in harmony with their bodies and communities.

The Vatican's latest declaration serves as a repackaging of existing positions, emphasizing the importance of human dignity in various aspects of life. It includes well-known Catholic doctrine opposing abortion and euthanasia, while adding concerns about poverty, war, human trafficking, the death penalty, and forced migration.

The Vatican's stance on gender-affirming surgeries and surrogacy is likely to spark ongoing discussions and debates surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and religious teachings, as advocates continue their efforts to promote understanding, inclusivity, and acceptance.