Gay men can now become priests following new guidelines introduced by the Italian Bishops Conference (CIE).

The new guidelines introduced permit gay men to enroll in Roman Catholic seminaries, provided they commit to a life of celibacy.

This new change in the guidelines permits gay men to enter seminaries, ending the 2016 Vatican directive that discouraged men with “deep-seated homosexual tendencies” from pursuing the priesthood.

While the Vatican had not outright banned gay men from becoming priests in the past, this move signals a more inclusive approach within the Church.

“When referring to homosexual tendencies in the formation process, it is also appropriate not to reduce the discernment to this aspect alone, but … to understand its meaning within the whole framework of the young person’s personality,” the guidelines say.