Gay ABC Anchor Confirmed in Catholic Church with Husband as Sponsor
Gio Benitez went through the reception rites at an "LGBTQ-inclusive" Manhattan parish in a service that included Fr. James Martin.
NEW YORK — After a 25-year absence from the Catholic faith, openly gay Good Morning America correspondent Gio Benitez has returned — this time through the doors of St. Paul the Apostle Church, an "LGBTQ-inclusive" parish in Manhattan.
In a moment that was shared on Monday, Benitez was confirmed at the altar with his husband, Tommy DiDario, serving as his sponsor.
“Six months ago, the death of a humble pope unexpectedly took me on a journey that was a lifetime in the making,” Benitez wrote in an Instagram post. He added that he saw Fr. James Martin, a known LGBTQ activist in Catholicism, speaking on Good Morning America about the "legacy of inclusivity" of Pope Francis. “It was the first time I had seen a Catholic priest speaking in such a beautiful way about LGBTQ people," he said.
Benitez also credited St. Paul’s pastor, Fr. Eric Andrews, for inspiring his return while preaching on the need to love one another. “When we’re able to love and love freely and openly — and love ourselves as well — we are a long way down the road to fulfilling the Kingdom of God,” Benitez said.
Reflecting on his youth, Benitez shared that he was baptized at 15 but drifted away due to the Catholic church's stance on homosexuality. “If God created me, how could he not love me?” he wondered.
“Standing beside you and watching you step into something that fills you with such joy and peace was one of the greatest honors of my life,” DiDario wrote afterward. “I’m endlessly proud of you and so grateful to be both your sponsor and your husband.”
Closing his reflection, Benitez said: “I found the Ark of the Covenant in my heart, stored there by the one who created me… exactly as I am.”
Gay entertainment website Queerty summarized the event in this way:
While Pope Francis definitely contributed to the progressive shift, his legacy is being continued.
In September, Pope Leo met in private with Father Martin, in what was seen as his support for a more open Catholic church.
And just last week, Italy’s Bishop Francesco Savino said same-sex couples “should not be denied the opportunity to be loved and to love, even on an intimate, sexual level, because denying them this, denying them their right, I repeat, is simply wrong,” reported Pink News.
While the words of a few priests and bishops may seem like a drop in the bucket, it is resonating with gay Catholics like Benitez.
Regardless of your stance on the church or religion in general, few could deny the powerful imagery of seeing Benitez, an out gay man standing proud at the altar with his husband at his side. Thoughts & prayers to right-wing homophobes!
Yes, love is love but gay love is valid and worthy to be celebrated in God’s house too. Amen!
Previously, UOJ reported that Catholic bishops had approved a "gay-washing" Bible translation.
