George White, a 31-year-old transgender man and Religious Education teacher at St. Paul’s Catholic School in Leicester, recently took part in a historic meeting with Pope Francis. The audience at the Vatican on October 23 was part of a broader initiative where White, alongside other transgender men, engaged with the pontiff. This unique gathering stemmed from connections made during a conference focused on inclusivity within the Catholic church, where White and others voiced their aspirations of joining the priesthood.

White’s journey reflects both personal conviction and deep commitment to his community. He teaches at the same Catholic school he once attended and where he was baptised at age 16.

His academic background includes a BA in Philosophy and Theology from Heythrop College, an MA in Global Ethics and Human Values from King’s College London, and a Secondary PGCE in Religious Studies from the University of Cambridge.

Highlighting the significance of the meeting, White stated, “I think being able to visibly see that trans men are there with Pope Francis means that we have a place, that we are welcome and that our stories are worth sharing.”

Huge thank you to @maxwellkuzma for capturing this encounter with the Pope where I give him a copy of Trans Life and the Catholic Church Today edited by @NicoleteBurbach to which I contributed a chapter exploring LGBT+ Inclusion in UK Catholic Schools. pic.twitter.com/mDyFj7Dm67

— George White (he/him) (@TransCatholicRE) October 23, 2024

Despite such gestures, the Vatican’s stance on gender and sexuality issues remains complex and marked by ambivalence. Pope Francis has shown greater openness toward LGBTQ+ individuals compared to his predecessors, but the April 2024 release of Dignitas Infinita conflicts with any welcome previously given.

This document, produced over five years, outlines the Vatican’s position on preserving the inherent dignity of all people. The document highlights “grave violations” of human dignity, including war, poverty, mistreatment of migrants, and abuse of women. However, it also lists other perceived threats, including abortion and what the Vatican has described as “gender theory” and “sex change.”

While Pope Francis appears to be more welcoming of diverse identities, exemplified by moments like this recent meeting with transgender men, many believe that the statements included in the Vatican’s formal teachings undercut any attempts at LGBTQ+ inclusion.