The Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education has declined to approve the appointment of Father Martin Lintner, OSM, as dean of the Philosophical-Theological College of Brixen/Bressanone in northern Italy.
Bishop Ivo Muser of Bolzano-Bressanone explained that Father Lintner’s appointment was blocked because of his “publications on questions of Catholic sexual morality,” and said that he and Father Lintner would not appeal the decision.
Three associations of theologians have come to the defense of Father Lintner. In one book, the priest “critically question[ed]” Catholic teaching on sexuality, according to the book’s publisher.