The New York Times published an in-depth feature examining the lives of 24 closeted Catholic priests from 13 different states.
According to the recently published book titled In the Closet of the Vatican, more than 80 percent of Vatican priests are secretly gay. The New York Times published a collection of interviews featuring the stories of two dozen closeted Catholic priests from 13 different states.
The feature asserts that “thousands of the church’s priests are gay,” “Fewer than about ten priests in the United States have dared to come out publicly,” the article continues. “Gay men probably make up at least 30 to 40 percent of the American Catholic clergy, according to dozens of estimates from gay priests themselves and researchers.”
Related | Pope Francis Declares Gay Men Unwelcome in Catholic Clergy
Out of fear of the church, these individuals feel compelled to stay closeted. The interviewees claim that the church’s predominately gay clergy is an open secret within the wall of the Vatican. Still “a conspiracy of silence” demands that no one reveal their truth.
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One anonymous clergyman accused the church of discouraging any close relationships, pointing to its unofficial seminarian rule, Numquam duo, Semper tres, which translates to “Never two, always three.” The guideline prevents priests from slipping into “particular friendships” with others. Consequently, a priest’s life is lonely and without affection.
To learn more about the secret lives of priests, head over to the NYT.
