Vatican rejects gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy in new document

People attend the Regina Caeli prayer led by Pope Francis at the Vatican, April 7, 2024. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS/ File photo

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -The Vatican on Monday reaffirmed its opposition to gender-affirming surgery, "gender theory" and surrogate parenthood, drawing criticism from advocates for LGBTQ Catholics.

The declaration by the Vatican's doctrinal office (DDF) comes four months after another document in which it supported blessings for same-sex couples, triggering fierce conservative pushback, especially in Africa.