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The church has not developed an extensive teaching on transgender issues, as these are relatively new in modern society. However, existing teachings on morality and human nature provide some guidance. The March 2024 document "Dignitas Infinita" briefly addressed "gender theory" and "sex change," focusing on human dignity.
The church emphasizes that it does not oppose "trans people" as individuals, acknowledging their fundamental dignity equal to all humans. Hatred or violence towards transgender individuals is strongly condemned. Pope Francis, in his 2016 apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia,” stated: “The Church makes her own the attitude of the Lord Jesus, who offers his boundless love to each person without exception.” He stressed respect for every person's dignity and the avoidance of unjust discrimination or aggression.
Christians are encouraged to be sensitive to those experiencing emotional pain due to discomfort with their body. However, the church opposes any “gender ideology” that separates psychological gender from biological sex or suggests sex can be changed medically or surgically. It also opposes medical interventions that harm healthy organs without true medical need.
"Dignitas Infinita" states: “Teaching about the need to respect the natural order of the human person, Pope Francis affirmed that ‘creation is prior to us and must be received as a gift.’” This implies that sex-change interventions may threaten a person's unique dignity from conception.
Church teachings are partly based on theology, citing Scripture: “God created mankind in his image; male and female he created them” (Gn 1:27). Catholics believe God’s plan involved creating two distinct sexes. Additionally, teachings incorporate biological sciences recognizing physical differences between sexes identifiable even at a cellular level.
While focused on faith and morals, the church seeks truth through faith, logic, or scientific evidence.
Jenna Marie Cooper holds a licentiate in canon law and is a consecrated virgin whose column appears weekly at OSV News. Questions can be sent to CatholicQA@osv.com.
