In a highly anticipated declaration, the Vatican has classified gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy as serious offenses against human dignity, placing them alongside practices like abortion and euthanasia. The 20-page declaration, titled "Infinite Dignity," had been in development for five years and was approved by Pope Francis on March 25, who ordered its publication.

The most contentious section of the document reiterates the Vatican's rejection of "gender theory," the belief that one's gender can be changed. Emphasizing that God created man and woman as distinct biological beings, the Vatican warns against interfering with this natural order, stating it is not for individuals to "make oneself God." The document asserts that any intervention for sex-change poses a risk to the unique human dignity conferred from the moment of conception.

While the Vatican notes the distinction between gender-affirming surgeries and congenital or developmental "genital abnormalities," which may require medical attention, LGBTQ+ advocates criticize the document as outdated and harmful. They argue that it ignores God's infinite dignity for all of his children, and instead perpetuates discrimination and violence against transgender individuals.

The existence of the document, rumored since 2019, was confirmed in recent weeks by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, a close confidant of Pope Francis and the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Notably, the declaration condemns the criminalization of homosexuality, echoing Pope Francis' statement that "being homosexual is not a crime." The Vatican denounces the punishment, torture, and deprivation of life solely based on sexual orientation as contrary to human dignity.

The document also addresses surrogacy, asserting that it violates both the dignity of the surrogate mother and the child. The Vatican argues that children have the right to an origin that is fully human and not artificially induced. It cautions against transforming the desire to have a child into a perceived "right," highlighting the significance of considering the dignity of the child as a recipient of the gift of life.

Repackaging previously expressed positions, the document reaffirms the Catholic doctrine opposing abortion and euthanasia and emphasizes additional concerns of Pope Francis related to poverty, war, human trafficking, and forced migration. It quotes from a 2019 education document which rejected the notion of choosing or changing gender but notably omits previous language that referred to homosexuality as "intrinsically disordered."

During a news conference introducing the document, Cardinal Fernández acknowledged the need to find alternative language to express the church's vision of sex as a union between husband and wife for the creation of new life. Reverend James Martin, who advocates for greater outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, welcomed the condemnation of legislation and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals but stressed the importance of recognizing their infinite dignity.

Pope Francis has emphasized the inclusivity of the Catholic Church towards LGBTQ+ individuals throughout his papacy. However, he has strongly criticized "gender theory" as a threat to humanity, cautioning against its spread and condemning the imposition of Western ideas about gender and reproductive health in the developing world.

While the document has faced immediate backlash from transgender activists, who argue that it ignores the experiences of real trans people and perpetuates harm, it also comes at a time when some US state legislatures are considering bills that restrict medical care and infringe upon the rights of transgender youth.

As discussions surrounding gender, identity, and dignity continue, the Vatican's "Infinite Dignity" declaration adds to the ongoing dialogue and debate about the intersection of religious doctrine, human rights, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.