The presenter of ABC News, Gio Benitez, publicly known for living in a homosexual relationship, has announced on social media that he has fully joined the Catholic Church. The confirmation took place at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, in Manhattan, a community known for its openly inclusive approach and for promoting controversial theological positions within American Catholicism.
Benitez explained that his decision was “inspired by Pope Francis” —whom he called “the late pope”, in a striking error— and expressed his “deep gratitude” to several priests who accompanied him in the process: Eric Andrews, James Martin, Paul Rospond and Chris Lawton. All of them have been linked to progressive stances on moral and pastoral matters, especially regarding homosexuality.
The most controversial detail of the ceremony was that his partner, Tommy DiDario, acted as sponsor in the sacrament of confirmation. Benitez publicly thanked his support
Receiving the sacrament of confirmation
As taught by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the sacrament of Confirmation requires a serious spiritual disposition in conformity with the Christian life. In its n. 1310, the Church reminds that the one to be confirmed must be in a state of grace, resorting previously to the sacrament of Penance to receive “with docility and availability” the gift of the Holy Spirit. And in n. 1311 it establishes that the sponsor or godmother —preferably the same as in Baptism, to emphasize the unity of both sacraments— must provide authentic spiritual help, being a model of faith and Christian life (cf. CIC can. 893). These norms are not mere formalities: they express the truth that Confirmation requires moral coherence and fidelity to the Gospel, both on the part of the candidate and of those who accompany him.
An «LGBT Friendly» Parish
The parish of St. Paul the Apostle, run by the Paulists, also carries several controversies that in recent years have raised concern among the faithful and Catholic analysts. Its LGBT ministry, Out at St. Paul, presents itself publicly as a space for affirming identities and relationships that exceeds the framework of Catholic moral teaching, and has been pointed out for promoting language and pastoral practices contrary to chastity and Christian anthropology.
To this is added the exhibition in 2023 of the show “God is Trans: A Queer Spiritual Journey”, installed inside the church itself and subject to investigation by the Archdiocese of New York, after complaints that it presented a vision of God incompatible with the Catholic faith. These episodes have fueled the impression that the parish operates on the border —and sometimes outside— of doctrine, becoming a reference for a parallel pastoral that openly questions the Church’s sexual morality.