Page 103 of Sacred Hearts

“Third, the Church recognizes that committed, faithful same-sex relationships can be sources of grace, love, and holiness. Therefore, the Church will develop appropriate pastoral blessings for such unions, while maintaining the sacramental distinction of matrimony.

“Fourth, the Church affirms that LGBTQ+ Catholics are full members of the Body of Christ, entitled to all sacraments and ministries according to their baptismal calling and personal charisma.

“Fifth, the Church calls for an end to discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons in civil society and condemns violence or persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”

I pause, allowing these historic words to sink in. Below, I see tears on many faces—tears of joy, of vindication, of healing.

“Regarding priestly celibacy,” I continue, “the Synod has approved, by a vote of one hundred fifty-two to ninety-eight, the following reforms:

“First, while affirming the value of celibacy as a charisma and gift, the Church will no longer require celibacy as a universal discipline for priests of the Latin Rite.

“Second, local Episcopal Conferences may establish norms for the ordination of married men who demonstrate appropriate spiritual maturity and vocation.

“Third, priests who have left ministry to marry may apply for reinstatement through a process established by the Congregation for the Clergy.”

The square erupts in applause. I wait for it to subside before continuing.

“These changes represent not a rupture with Tradition, but a deeper engagement with the Gospel message of love, inclusion, and human dignity. They are grounded in the conviction that the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church in every age, revealing new dimensions of God’s truth as we are ready to receive them.”

I look out at the vast crowd, aware that my words are being broadcast to millions around the world.

“Implementation of these reforms will begin immediately, though full integration will take time. Detailed guidelines will be published in the coming weeks.”

I pause, then speak more personally.

“I know that for some, these changes will be difficult to accept. I ask for your patience and open hearts. For others, they come too late after years of pain and exclusion. To you, I say: the door is open. Come home to your brothers and sisters.”

“The Church we are building together is not one that simply tolerates diversity, but one that celebrates it as a reflection of God’s infinite creativity. It is a Church that listens before it speaks, that accompanies rather than condemns, that finds unity not in uniformity but in our shared love for Christ.”

The sun breaks through the clouds, casting golden light across the square. I can’t help but see it as a sign of divine approval.

“In the days ahead, we will continue the work of reform, addressing other areas where our practice has fallen short of our calling. The renewal of the Vatican Bank continues, with new transparency measures and ethical investment guidelines already in place.”

I feel a sudden welling of emotion, thinking of the journey that brought me here—from a poor boy in rural Italy to this moment of transformation.

“I ask for your continued prayers as we walk this path together. May God, who has begun this good work among us, bring it to completion.”

I make the sign of the cross over the crowd.

“May the peace of Christ be with you all.”

As I step back from the balcony, the square erupts in cheers and song. Cardinal Sullivan squeezes my shoulder.

“You’ve changed the Church forever, Your Holiness.”

I shake my head. “Not I, but the Holy Spirit working through all of us.”

Sister Lucia smiles. “And through the courage of those who shared their stories.”

I touch the pocket where I still carry the USB drive with those thousands of testimonies.

“Their voices will never be silenced again,” I say quietly.

For the first time since becoming Pope, I feel not the burden of the office, but its true purpose—to be an instrument of God’s love in a world hungry for authenticity and belonging.

28

Epilogue: One Year Later

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