Transgender People and Human Dignity in Catholic Theology

The discourse on transgender identity within the Catholic Church reveals a fundamental tension between the official magisterial teaching and emerging theological currents that prioritize a pastoral sensibility and the affirmation of human dignity. Official documents such as Dignitas infinita and Male and Female He Created Them reject the differentiation between gender and biological sex, framing it as a component of so­-called “gender ideology,” interpreting gender transition as a threat to the natural order. In contrast, numerous theologians and ecclesial groups advocate for a more empathetic and contextually informed approach—one that takes seriously the lived experiences of transgender individuals and engages with contemporary medical insights. This article explores these positions to facilitate a broader theological conversation on the potential for inclusion and the recognition of dignity for all persons within the Church. It proposes avenues for theological re­-interpretation oriented toward an inclusive anthropology that acknowledges transgender individuals as full and equal bearers of human dignity.

Keywords: Dignitas infinita; Catholic Theology; Human Dignity; Freedom; Transgender People