Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg, has once again sparked controversy by suggesting that the Catholic Church should broaden its view on sexual morality. In an interview published on September 6 by the Austrian media outlet Die Furche, the Jesuit cardinal stated: «I would not define morality—especially sexual morality—as narrowly as the Church does today.»
According to LifeSiteNews, Hollerich argued that the Church must adapt its eternal doctrine to the demands of pro-LGBT discourse, in parallel with the promotion of the so-called synodality.
Catechism of the Catholic Church: immutable doctrine on sexuality
The cardinal’s statements clash with what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches. In its number 2333, it recalls that God created human beings “male and female” and that each person must “recognize and accept his sexual identity.” Furthermore, it states that the difference and complementarity between the sexes are ordered to marriage and the family, constituting a good for society.
The Catechism also clearly states that «homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered» and that «they can never be approved».
Synodality and Tensions with Africa
In the same interview reported by Die Furche, Hollerich linked this vision to the process of the controversial Synod on Synodality, defending the image of the Church as a “tent” that must expand to accommodate everyone. However, he acknowledged the resistance from African Churches, which prefer the traditional category of “family” over the “tent” metaphor.
As LifeSiteNews emphasizes, the Synod on Synodality has been driven by campaigns seeking to modify established teachings, including debates on the female diaconate, priestly celibacy, and the structure of ecclesial authority.
Background: Controversial Statements on Homosexuality
This is not the first time the Luxembourg cardinal has spoken along these lines. In 2022, he went so far as to describe as “false” the Church’s teaching that condemns homosexual acts as sin. Additionally, he publicly acknowledged that in his archdiocese there are homosexual priests and laity, assuring that «they know they have a home in the Church.»
In previous statements, Hollerich has expressed his desire for a “change” in the teaching on homosexuality, along with his openness to ordaining women and admitting married men to the priesthood.
In August 2022, he stated that his thoughts were «in full harmony with Pope Francis,» although weeks later he backtracked, saying that he did not seek to change the doctrine, but to promote «a Church in which everyone feels welcomed.»