Archdiocese of Corrientes reviews canonical disciplinary measures after trans couple celebrates wedding at Our Lady of Pompeii Parish in Argentina

The Archdiocese of Corrientes in Argentina is reviewing canonical disciplinary actions following a wedding in which both partners identify as transgender.

The ceremony, held on January 28 at Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, has sparked debate within the local Church and the wider community.

The Ceremony That Sparked Controversy

The couple involved includes one person who is biologically male and one who is biologically female, both of whom legally changed their names and genders on their national identification documents under Argentina’s gender identity law.

The marriage was celebrated with the blessing of the parish, attracting attention because of the couple’s transgender status.

Solange Ayala, an LGBT activist from Corrientes and one of the spouses, described the experience in an interview with Radio Sudamericana.

“We are a trans couple who were able to receive the blessing of the Church,” she said.

Ayala noted that getting married in a church initially seemed “impossible,” but they discovered that Our Lady of Pompeii Parish was “quite open to welcoming the community.”

Parish Process and Miscommunication

According to Ayala, the couple followed standard procedures for a church marriage, speaking openly with the parish priest.

“We completed the process like anyone else.

The priest received us very well, explained the steps, and even spoke with the archbishop, saying that biologically we were a man and a woman, so we could be blessed,” she recalled.

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However, the Archdiocese later clarified that it had not granted formal approval for the sacrament.

“At no time did this archdiocese receive the ecclesiastical documentation corresponding to the formalities required,” the statement read.

This miscommunication between the parish and the Archdiocese has become central to the ongoing discussion.

Canonical Requirements and Church Teaching

The Archdiocese stressed that Christian marriage requires adherence to canonical conditions for validity, including legal competence, absence of impediments, and genuine consent.

“Omission of these conditions not only distorts the profound meaning of the sacrament but can generate confusion within the community of the faithful,” the statement said.

Friar Fernando Luis Gómez, the parish priest, said that the parish acted “following the pastoral guidance and ecclesial norms of the ordinary (the bishop).”

Despite this, the Archdiocese announced it will consult with the relevant authorities and take appropriate canonical measures to ensure compliance with Church law.

Balancing Pastoral Care and Doctrine

While the Church reiterated its commitment to welcoming and accompanying all individuals, it emphasized that this must align with canon law and the integrity of the sacraments.

“Out of respect for privacy, no details will be provided nor speculation fueled,” the Archdiocese noted.

It also promised to strengthen preparation, interviews, and verification procedures for future sacramental celebrations to avoid similar confusion in the community.

What’s next?

The Archdiocese is expected to conclude its canonical review and determine if any disciplinary actions are needed for clergy involved in the wedding.

Procedures at the parish level will be reinforced to ensure that all future marriages comply fully with Church law.

Guidance is also likely to be provided to other parishes to help them navigate the balance between pastoral care and canonical compliance.

Summary

A marriage between two transgender individuals at Our Lady of Pompeii Parish in Corrientes has prompted the Archdiocese of Corrientes to evaluate canonical compliance.

While the parish celebrated the wedding, the Archdiocese clarified it had not received formal documentation and emphasized the importance of canonical conditions for marriage.

The situation highlights the tension between pastoral openness and adherence to Church law, with disciplinary reviews and stronger procedural safeguards expected in the near future.