Officially, the Holy See can object if Italy does something that violates those agreements. But that has never happened, although the Italian bishops have spent many years behind the scenes trying to influence Italian politics. With varying degrees of success.
Now, for the first time, the Holy See has proceeded with a formal letter. Behind the protest is the Church’s fear that once the law is passed, propagating the doctrine could be considered discriminatory. After all, according to the Church, homosexual relationships are “intrinsically disordered” and gender identity is labeled by Pope Francis as an “ideology” and as “ideological colonialism”.
In addition, if the law is passed, all Italian schools should actively participate in the National Day against Gay and Transphobia to be officially introduced. Also the Catholic schools, and that’s the big pain point.
Completely counterproductive?
Many Italian media are shocked at what they call direct interference in internal affairs. Far-right parties, including the Lega that supports Prime Minister Draghi’s government, have welcomed the Vatican’s initiative.
Draghi himself briefly addressed the issue during a session of parliament. “Italy is a secular state,” he said. “Parliament can freely discuss and legislate.”
The government does not want to interfere with the bill. That is a matter for Parliament. The Vatican’s action seems to be completely counterproductive. Thanks to the letter, the bill has suddenly attracted a lot of attention. More than half of Italians are in favor of approval, according to polls.
So it looks like the Holy See inadvertently pushed the bill toward final law.
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