In a recent controversial event, Fray Fernando Luis Gómez, a priest from the Holy Orders of Minor Friars, married a transgender couple at the Nuestra Señora de Pompeya parish in Corrientes, Argentina on January 28. This marriage sparked outrage among some parishioners, leading to formal complaints being lodged with the Archdiocese of Corrientes. In the wake of the uproar, Fray Gómez has been advised by his superiors to temporarily leave the province until the situation calms down.

Fray Gómez had recently taken charge of the Nuestra Señora de Pompeya parish only three years prior, after coming from Gobernador Galvez, Santa Fe. He succeeded Fray Nelson Saucedo, who was assigned to a pastoral mission in Equatorial Guinea. While the parish has confirmed that Fray Gómez will be absent from Corrientes until the end of the month, they have stated they are unaware of any official proceedings resulting from the complaints, leaving the specifics of any disciplinary action by Archbishop José Alfredo Larregain unclear.

This incident not only highlights ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church regarding LGBTQ+ rights but also underscores the broader societal debates in Argentina regarding inclusion and acceptance of diverse sexual identities. The decision to marry the transgender couple could have significant repercussions for Fray Gómez’s career and may reflect evolving attitudes within certain sectors of the church, despite the pushback he is currently facing from traditionalist factions.