The celebration of a Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Milan, Mario Delpini, for a group of LGBT Catholics during «Pride» week has sparked intense controversy in Italy. The initiative, organized by the so-called Gruppo del Guado, has been harshly criticized by various ecclesiastical sectors, which consider that the event sends an ambiguous message regarding Catholic doctrine on homosexuality.
According to La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana, the celebration took place last Friday at the Church of San Carlo al Lazzaretto, located in one of Milan’s neighborhoods traditionally associated with the homosexual community. The Mass also coincided with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and with events linked to Milan Pride.
A gathering marked by rainbow symbolism
The controversy was fueled by the very image used to promote the celebration. The poster shared by the organizers showed a church decorated with rainbow colors and announced the participation of the Archbishop of Milan.
The Gruppo del Guado is an association founded in the 1980s that brings together homosexual individuals who identify as Catholic and promotes spaces for encounter, reflection, and religious celebration for this group within the Church.
During the homily, Delpini recalled that God loves each person regardless of their situation and cited a biblical passage stating that the Lord chose His people not because they were numerous, but out of love: “The Lord has bound Himself to you and has chosen you, not because you are the most numerous people; you are the smallest, but He loves you.”
The controversial T-shirt during Communion
The controversy grew after one of the participants shared images on social media of the T-shirt he wore to the celebration. It featured a depiction of Jesus in rainbow colors accompanied by the phrase “Ah Men,” a play on words between the traditional “Amen” and an English expression related to attraction to men.
The same participant later stated on Instagram that he had uttered this expression while receiving Communion from the Archbishop.
Criticism over the timing with ‘Pride’
Objections have not focused solely on the episode that occurred during Communion. Various voices have questioned the appropriateness of celebrating a Mass specifically aimed at an LGBT group on the days when the city hosts Pride events.
La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana described the initiative as a sign of implicit support for positions promoted by the LGBT movement and especially criticized the fact that the celebration coincided with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.