Corrientes, Argentina — February 2026
The Archdiocese of Corrientes has announced it will take appropriate canonical measures following the celebration of a marriage between two individuals identifying as transgender at Our Lady of Pompeii Parish on January 28.
The couple, who legally changed their names and genders under Argentina’s gender identity law, reported that the parish priest welcomed them and guided them through the marriage process. LGBT activist Solange Ayala, one of the partners, described the ceremony as a moment of pastoral inclusion, noting that the priest had informed the archbishop and did not raise objections based on the couple’s biological sexes.
However, the archdiocese clarified that it did not formally authorize the sacrament, emphasizing that Christian marriage requires full compliance with canon law. Essential conditions for validity include legal competence, absence of canonical impediments, and genuine consent aligned with Church teaching. The archdiocese warned that failing to meet these requirements can distort the meaning of the sacrament and create confusion within the community.
In a public statement, the archdiocese reaffirmed its commitment to pastoral care, noting that the Church seeks to welcome and accompany all individuals while safeguarding the integrity of its sacraments. It also announced that canonical authorities will review the case and may impose disciplinary measures where appropriate.
The parish priest, Friar Fernando Luis Gómez, emphasized that the parish acted in accordance with pastoral guidance and ecclesial norms. Moving forward, the archdiocese stated that interview, preparation, and verification procedures for marriage will be strengthened to prevent similar issues.
This development underscores the ongoing tension between pastoral inclusion and canonical regulation within the Catholic Church, particularly in cases involving transgender individuals, and highlights the careful balance the Church seeks between compassion and doctrinal fidelity.