The Vatican’s doctrinal chief has revealed that his dicastery is writing “a very important document on human dignity” that contains “a strong criticism” of immoral trends in contemporary society.

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the Vatican’s prefect at the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), told the Spanish news agency EFE on Friday that the new document will include “not only social issues but also a strong criticism of moral questions such as sex-change surgery, surrogacy, and gender ideology.”

The news comes days after Pope Francis spoke out against surrogate motherhood, calling it “deplorable” and advocating a global ban. Francis has also often criticized gender theory, referring to it as “dangerous” and “one of the most dangerous ideological colonizations” that blur the differences and value of men and women.

[That sounds like good news, but it may be difficult to square that with Fiducia Supplicans and its application to “irregular unions.” If the new document is as advertised, get ready for some confusion about both. — Ed]