Openly Gay ABC Anchor Confirmed in Catholic Church, Citing Late Pope’s Inclusive Legacy
On November 10, 2023, Gio Benitez, a prominent ABC News anchor, was confirmed into the Catholic Church at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan. This event gained attention not only because of Benitez’s status in the media but also due to his identity as an openly gay man. His husband, Tommy DiDario, played an essential role in this milestone, serving as his confirmation sponsor.
The confirmation marks a significant moment for the 38-year-old journalist. After being away from the Church for 25 years, Benitez returned, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the priests who supported him. Among them, he acknowledged Father Eric Andrews, Father James Martin, Father Paul Rospond, and Father Chris Lawton, emphasizing their role in helping him find a path back to faith. His Instagram post highlighted the power of unconditional love, stating, “My deepest gratitude to Fr. Eric Andrews…for showing me that God’s loving mercy is unconditional.” He also credited his husband with unwavering support throughout his journey.
A tweet shared by @Protestia succinctly captured the nature of the event: “NEW: Openly gay ABC News anchor Gio Benitez joins the Catholic Church with his husband serving as his sponsor.” The tweet reflects a broader narrative of faith and identity intertwining in contemporary Catholic practice.
Catalyst for a Spiritual Return
Benitez’s decision to embrace Catholicism again stems from the death of Pope Francis in April 2023. In a reflective post, he shared, “Six months ago, the death of a humble pope unexpectedly took me on a journey that was a lifetime in the making.” Pope Francis was recognized for his more inclusive approach toward LGBTQ Catholics. His famous remark in 2013, “Who am I to judge?” invited discussion on acceptance within the Church. Additionally, the influence of Jesuit priest Father James Martin weighed heavily on Benitez, particularly after he heard Martin speak publicly. “His words struck me,” Benitez recalled, noting the significance of seeing a Catholic priest advocate compassionately for LGBTQ individuals.
The welcoming atmosphere of the Church of St. Paul the Apostle played a crucial role in Benitez’s return. This parish is well-known for its outreach to LGBTQ Catholics, underlining its commitment to what it calls “radical hospitality.”
Confirmation Amid Tensions in the Church
Confirmation, one of the core sacraments in the Catholic faith, requires personal reflection and the presence of a sponsor. DiDario’s role in this capacity is noteworthy, given the Church’s official stance on same-sex marriage. The Catholic Catechism expresses a nuanced view, stating that homosexuals must be treated with respect while maintaining that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered.” However, interpretations of pastoral care can vary greatly among clergy, especially in urban areas, which sometimes embrace a more lenient approach to inclusion.
During the Mass, Father Eric Andrews highlighted the importance of love and acceptance: “When we’re able to love and love freely and openly… we are a long ways down the road to fulfilling the Kingdom of God.” His message reinforced inclusivity.
Visible Conflict, Quiet Change
Benitez’s confirmation occurs against a backdrop of growing divides within the global Catholic Church, particularly regarding declining Mass attendance. According to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), only 22% of U.S. Catholics attended Mass regularly in 2022, a significant drop from nearly 75% in the 1950s. This trend affects not just younger adults but also blue-collar and rural populations—historically viewed as the backbone of Catholicism.
This decline signals the need for the Church to address an evolving society. Pope Francis worked to expand the Church’s pastoral care, often focusing on marginalized groups. Although his successor, Pope Leo XIV, continues this mission, core doctrines remain unchanged.
While Benitez’s confirmation may not alter official Church doctrine, it serves as a compelling reminder of the local adaptations some clergy have made towards mercy and inclusion. Benitez beautifully articulated this perspective in his Instagram reflection, stating, “Proof of God’s love wasn’t in books or lectures. That divine love was in me all along, gently reaching out with arms wide open. If God created me, how could he not love me?”
Family, Faith, and Public Witness
The Confirmation Mass itself felt deeply personal. Music from singer Alison McCartan, a friend of Benitez, added to the emotional weight of the occasion. One of the profound highlights came when Benitez looked out at the pews during Mass and envisioned a “cloud of witnesses”—his loved ones, including grandparents and friends—present with him in spirit as he took this significant step.
The public response to his confirmation has been polarized. Supporters praise the event as a beacon of healing and spiritual courage, while critics voice concern that it blurs the lines between tradition and adaptation, fearing further erosion of doctrinal integrity.
The Church has long wrestled with reconciling its teachings with the shifting tides of culture. Events like Benitez’s confirmation bring renewed attention to this interplay, engaging not just theological discourse but also the lived experiences of parish clergy and congregations.
More than just a symbolic act, Benitez’s confirmation raises critical questions for the broader Church: Will local practices of pastoral care foster unity, or will they deepen existing divides? How should the Church navigate doctrinal authority in a world where pastoral discretion varies widely, even from one parish to the next?
While Benitez’s affirmation of faith is deeply personal, its implications stretch far beyond his experience. The significant event was witnessed, recorded, and shared publicly, presenting a reality that extends into the larger narrative of the Catholic Church. With his husband by his side as sponsor, Benitez’s confirmation was wrapped in tradition, guided by a group of priests who underscored its solemnity.
As the Church draws closer to understanding the meaning of such stories, it faces the challenge of assessing whether they are mere exceptions, signs of a greater fracture, or early indications of an evolving consensus among its 1.3 billion members worldwide.
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