DIGNITATEM HUMANAE NATURAE TUENDAM
APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION
ON GOD’S PLAN FOR HUMAN SEXUALITY
To My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
- UPHOLDING THE DIGNITY OF HUMAN NATURE is the basic call of the Mother the Church in announcing the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In creation, humans were made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). In other words, humanity by nature is the image of God. Yet, through sin, this image and likeness was broken. However, when “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), the process of restoration of human dignity was started, and through the Sacrament of Baptism the human person becomes a child of God. For “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12). It is explicit here that a person once born through the biological mother is not automatically a child of God. Due to original sin, the person remains in darkness, and once he is baptized he is no longer in darkness, but becomes a child of God. Nevertheless, becoming a child of God is a continuous process. Christian formation is a daily cross which a human person needs to bear.
- The issue of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexuals, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) is currently contentious. The Pride month asserts that LGBTQIA must be accepted by society-at-large and never be discriminated against. And other groups are pushing for same sex union.
- We generally respect each human being, whatever their status in life. However, we cannot water down the divine truth which says “He created them male and female” (Genesis 1:27). Those who want to remain a Christian and a Catholic should uphold this revelation, and anything contrary to this must be set aside. It is not for modern man to determine what gender he wants to choose. The Sacred Scripture explicitly says male and female. And so, as a loyal child of God, we accept this truth without reservation.
- In Matthew 19:4-6 the Lord Jesus Christ said: “Haven’t you read the scripture that says that in the beginning the Creator made people male and female? And God said ‘for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one.’ So they are no longer two but one. No human being must separate what God has joined together.” Procreation is the one reason why God has joined the opposite sex together. The second reason is mutual support for sanctification. Homosexuality defeats the Divine purpose. Hence it is not just against natural law but against the will of God.
- In the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans, he said: “In the same way the men give up natural sexual relations with women and burn with passion for each other. Men do shameful things with each other, and as a result they bring upon themselves the punishment they deserve for their wrongdoing.” (Romans 1:27). In his first letter to the Corinthians, he said: “Surely you know that the wicked will not possess God’s Kingdom. Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral or who worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or who slander others or are thieves—none of these will possess God’s Kingdom.” ( 1 Cor.6:9-10 ).
- We are inviting LGBTQIA+ members to “Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:15). This is an invitation for all of you to accept our Lord Jesus Christ in your life by practising the virtue of purity. We know that self-control is not easy, but we do believe that the power of the Holy Spirit shall provide you with the strength necessary for you to overcome yourself. The power of prayer shall help you fight the temptations of the flesh.
- The people of God shall pray for you too to remain steadfast in the virtue of purity and will continue to encourage you in answering the call to holiness. We beg the intercession of Our Blessed Virgin Mary to aid us in following God’s plan by our life of purity.
Given at the City of San Jose Del Monte this 6th day of August 2025 Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, the second year of our pontificate.
MICHAEL II.,
By the grace of God, Pope
September 15, 2025