Skip to main contentAccessibility feedback
Background Image

What About ‘Intersex’ Persons?

Question:

How does the Catholic Church view intersex people? May they be ordained?

Answer:

While some persons may exhibit aspects of both male and female reproductive organs or have physiological “intersex” characteristics of another sort, the Catholic Church recognizes that every person is intrinsically either male or female. Fr. Tad Pacholczyk, the Director of Education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, addresses the matter well in this article.

In addition, all such individuals should be accorded respect as persons made in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27).

Finally, any intrinsically male person is eligible to be considered as a potential candidate for the priesthood.

Did you like this content? Please help keep us ad-free
Enjoying this content?  Please support our mission!Donatewww.catholic.com/support-us