Yes, I was referring to those rumors. It has been pointed out that, if true, it would be the first time ever the Catholic Church has allowed openly homosexual men to be priests. Now, given Pope Benedict's positions against homosexuality, why do you think he would suddenly open the door to avowed homosexuals? He would have to go against the 1961 Papal Ban on ordaining homosexuals, as well as his own beliefs.
To say that one is homosexual in orientation, yet vows to remain celibate, is not "openly homosexual." It is perfectly possible for a man to be homosexual, yet not define himself by his homosexuality as some homosexuals seem to do.
Now, given Pope Benedict's positions against homosexuality, why do you think he would suddenly open the door to avowed homosexuals.
Again, an "avowed homosexual" would seem to be excluded by the third criterion I listed above, that is, one who is "irrevocably committed" to the homosexual lifestyle.
I am speaking of celibate homosexuals who do not act on their homosexuality.
I can't answer for Benedict XVI. But, I suspect the exceptions made will be made at the insistence of local bishops, who are aware they have a significant number of celibate homosexuals serving in their dioceses as good priests.
What does it mean to be "openly homosexual" and still be a practicing priest who hopes to be consistent with church teaching (which I read as being celibate).
Are they declaring their homosexuality in some kind of show of solidarity with other gays, perhaps hoping to improve treatment of AIDS patients? Actually that would be more acceptable to me than if their reason is to disrupt church teaching and practice regarding celibacy. If they want to be a sexually active homosexual cleric let them join the unitarians or whatever other denomination doesn't have a problem with it.