January 1, Pope Francis Slams Surrogacy, Warns of ‘Gender Theory’ Dangers

Pope Francis recently called surrogacy births “deplorable,” likening the act to turning a baby into an object of trafficking. He also warned of the dangers of “gender theory” and encouraged international dialogue.

In an official address for 2024, the Pope touched on the respect for human life and rights, “starting with the life of the unborn child in the mother’s womb.”

He emphasized that the life of the child cannot be “suppressed or turned into an object of trafficking,” specifically pointing to surrogacy births.

“In this regard, I deem deplorable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child,” he said.

The Pope continued, stating that surrogacy is based on the exploitation of a mother’s material needs, and that a child should never be the “basis of a commercial contract.”

Interestingly, the language used by the Pope appears to have been tweaked, as several outlets had previously reported the Pope as using the word “despicable” in his description of surrogacy, which now appears to have been replaced with “deplorable.”

Pope Francis also noted that there have been attempts to introduce new human rights that are “neither fully consistent with those originally defined nor always acceptable.”

He explained, “They have led to instances of ideological colonization, in which gender theory plays a central role; the latter is extremely dangerous since it cancels differences in its claim to make everyone equal.”

The Pope said that this “ideological colonization” has sowed division rather than peace.

He encouraged dialogue as the “soul of the international community,” stating that “organizations established to foster security, peace, and cooperation are no longer capable of uniting all their members around one table.”

These organizations are at risk for “ideological polarization” and “exploitation” by individual states, he added.

In November 2023, Pope Francis made headlines when the Vatican sent a letter to German religious officials who were suggesting radical propositions, such as allowing homosexual relationships and female priesthood. In September 2023, the Pope said that Europe is not facing a migrant crisis and challenged nations to open their ports to migrants.

“May we let ourselves be moved by the stories of so many of our unfortunate brothers and sisters who have the right both to emigrate and not to emigrate, and not become closed in indifference,” Francis said. “In the face of the terrible scourge of the exploitation of human beings, the solution is not to reject but to ensure, according to the possibilities of each, an ample number of legal and regular entrances.”

Why It Matters (op-ed)

Pope Francis’ recent condemnation of surrogacy and gender theory affirms the values we hold dear in the conservative community. The Pope’s recognition that surrogacy violates the dignity of women and children echoes our belief in the sanctity of life and the importance of traditional family structures.

Furthermore, his acknowledgment of the dangers posed by gender theory validates our concerns about the erosion of traditional values and the imposition of radical ideologies. By encouraging dialogue and unity, Pope Francis provides a beacon of hope in a world increasingly divided by cultural and political forces. Let’s stand with the Pope and push back against these destructive ideologies.

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