However, the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith, also known as the Vatican's doctrinal office, remained ambiguous in addressing whether a same-sex couple could arrange a Church baptism for an adopted child or one obtained through a surrogate mother.

In July, Bishop Negri submitted six questions regarding the involvement of LGBT individuals in the sacraments of baptism and matrimony. The three-page document containing questions and answers, signed by the department's head Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández and approved by Pope Francis on Oct. 31, was posted on the department's website on Wednesday using the Italian term for "transsexuals."

While Pope Francis has aimed to foster a more inclusive environment for the LGBT community within the Church, he has upheld existing teachings, including the notion that same-sex attraction is not sinful, but engaging in same-sex acts is.

Addressing the question of transgender individuals being baptized, the doctrinal office stated that it is permissible under certain conditions, as long as it does not pose a risk of causing public scandal or disorientation among the faithful.

The document also outlined that transgender individuals can act as godparents in a baptism, at the discretion of the local priest, and serve as witnesses at a Church wedding. However, the local priest is advised to exercise "pastoral prudence" in making such decisions.

Father James Martin, a prominent Jesuit priest and advocate for LGBT rights in the Church, welcomed the announcement as a significant step forward in recognizing transgender individuals as integral members of the Catholic community.

In addition, the document clarified that a person in a same-sex relationship is allowed to be a witness at a Catholic wedding, citing the absence of prohibition in the current Church canonical legislation.