In a move marking a shift in tone from the Vatican, an event organized by LGBT Catholics has been added to the official calendar for the 2025 Roman Catholic Holy Year. The event, spearheaded by the Italian group “La Tenda di Gionata,” aims to promote inclusion and acceptance within the Church. It features a prayer vigil at a local parish in Rome followed by a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica.
The inclusion of the event in the Holy Year calendar reflects the influence of Pope Francis, who has taken a more open approach toward the LGBTQ community during his tenure. The Pope’s leadership has allowed priests to bless same-sex unions on a case-by-case basis and has sparked broader conversations about the role of LGBTQ individuals within the Catholic Church.
However, Vatican officials clarified that the inclusion of the group does not constitute endorsement of its activities. Agnese Palmucci, a spokesperson for the Vatican’s evangelization office, emphasized that the calendar is designed to ensure space for all pilgrims while maintaining neutrality on the specific events listed.
The Holy Year, which occurs once every 25 years, is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome. Special “Holy Doors” at key basilicas, including St. Peter’s, will be opened to mark the occasion. This celebration offers an opportunity for Catholics worldwide to reflect on faith, renewal, and inclusion.
For the LGBTQ community, the recognition of their event during such a significant religious celebration signals progress in bridging historical divides. While not an unequivocal endorsement, the gesture indicates a step toward greater acceptance and dialogue. Advocates within the Church hope that this moment of visibility will inspire continued progress toward full inclusion and equality within the Catholic faith.