Vatican admits conversion therapy caused LGBTQ+ Catholics’ profound suffering

[Jessica_Rose ✅]

Vatican report admits conversion therapy caused LGBTQ+ Catholics' profound suffering'

https://www.advocate.com/news/religion/catholic-church-conversion-therapy 🔗

Jacob Ogles (6 May 2026)

Just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for minors in an 8-1 ruling that cast doubt on similar laws nationwide, a Catholic Church report is warning that so-called "reparative therapies" have caused LGBTQ+ Catholics "profound suffering" and spiritual harm

The published document comes from theologians assembled for the late Pope Francis' Synod of Bishops. Remarkably, it includes testimony from two Catholic gay men in same-sex marriages, both of whom were previously subjected to so-called "conversion therapy." That alone drew praise from advocates.

"This marks the first time that a Vatican report has included stories from LGBTQ Catholics. As such, it marks a significant step forward in the church's relationship with the LGBTQ community," Father James Martin, founder of the LGBTQ+ Catholic group Outreach, wrote on his organization's website.

The report itself comes from a study group within the Synod tasked with increasing participation in the church. The document raises concerns about the negative impacts of trying to change people's sexual orientations on Catholics' spiritual journey.