The archdiocese of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City has condemned the “scandalous” and “sacrilegious” funeral of transgender leader and activist Cecilia Gentili. The funeral, which took place at the Cathedral, drew outrage from the Catholic community after it focused on praying for transgender rights and access to gender-affirming health care.
Rev. Enrique Salvo, in a statement, expressed his outrage over the funeral, stating, “Thanks to so many who have let us know they share our outrage over the scandalous behavior at a funeral here at St. Patrick’s Cathedral earlier this week.” He added that the Cathedral only knew that family and friends were requesting a funeral Mass for a Catholic, and had no idea it would be degraded in such a sacrilegious way.
The video eulogy during the funeral, in which the eulogist referred to Gentili as the “Mother of all W—–,” sparked further outrage. The eulogist described Gentili as a “great w—-” and the “Mother of all W—–,” which was met with applause from the attendees.
Conservative political activist group CatholicVote called the funeral “unbelievable and sick.” They were particularly critical of LGBTQ+ activist Billy Porter’s performance of the “Our Father” prayer at the beginning of the funeral, labeling it as “mocking.”
In response to the scandal, Rev. Salvo announced that the church would hold a “Mass of Reparation” in an effort to make amends. He emphasized the need for prayer, reparation, repentance, grace, and mercy during the Lenten season, stating, “That such a scandal occurred at ‘America’s Parish Church’ makes it worse; that it took place as Lent was beginning, the annual forty-day struggle with the forces of sin and darkness, is a potent reminder of how much we need the prayer, reparation, repentance, grace, and mercy to which this holy season invites us.”
The funeral of Cecilia Gentili has sparked a heated debate within the Catholic community, with many expressing their disappointment and outrage at the perceived disrespect shown towards the Catholic faith. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions surrounding issues related to gender identity and religious beliefs.
