The Vatican document ‘Dignitas Infinita’ faces criticism for its stance on gender theory and gender-affirming care|@prayitnophotography|CC BY 2.0

The Vatican released a document titled “Dignitas Infinita” (Infinite Dignity) on Monday, aiming to address recent tensions within the Catholic Church, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues.

While reaffirming Pope Francis’s inclusive measures like blessings for same-sex couples, the document emphasized the importance of respecting the “sexual difference between man and woman,” opposing “sex-change intervention” as a threat to human dignity. 

The 32-pager was critical of surrogacy, euthanasia, abortion and gender theory and addressed issues such as global poverty, wealth inequality and consumer culture.

While it received praise from church conservatives, it also faced criticism for its stance on gender theory and gender-affirming care.

The Vatican document highlighted tensions between the Pope’s inner circle and traditionalist critics.