An Italian Catholic church is at the center of a heated debate for its unique nativity scene featuring two moms and baby Jesus, replacing the traditional Mary and Joseph figures. This bold representation at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Capocastello di Mercogliano has sparked intense reactions from conservative groups and politicians.
A Stand for Inclusivity
Father Vitaliano Della Sala, the priest responsible for the display, stands firm in his decision. He emphasizes the evolving nature of families, acknowledging the presence of various family structures in modern society, including children of gay couples and single parents. His aim is to reflect this diversity in the church’s portrayal of the Holy Family.
Clash of Perspectives
The nativity scene has drawn criticism from several conservative figures. Maurizio Gasparri, a senator from the Forza Italia party, described the display as insulting to traditional religious sentiments. Similarly, the Pro-Vita & Famiglia organization condemned the scene as blasphemous, launching a petition against it. Despite this, Della Sala cites alignment with Pope Francis’ more inclusive stance, especially following the pontiff’s allowance of blessing same-sex unions.
Broader Implications in Italy
The controversy sheds light on broader issues regarding LGBTQ rights in Italy. While the country has legalized same-sex civil unions, it stops short of allowing same-sex marriage and surrogacy. The current government’s conservative policies further complicate matters for LGBTQ families, often leading to discriminatory practices like excluding non-biological parents from birth certificates.