As an experienced journalist who has frequently tackled themes of religious institutions, power, and societal taboos, I could not overlook Frédéric Martel’s In the Closet of the Vatican: Power, Homosexuality, Hypocrisy. Published in 2019, this documentary work sent shockwaves through the world of religious journalism, exposing deeply rooted secrets within the Catholic Church. Based on a four-year investigation involving interviews with over 1,500 individuals, including 41 cardinals, 52 bishops, and 45 apostolic nuncios, Martel claims that approximately 80% of the Vatican’s hierarchy consists of homosexual men, many of whom lead double lives, publicly condemning homosexuality while privately engaging in it. But is this an objective journalistic investigation or a sensational exposé tinged with bias? In this article, I critically analyze the book, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, the context of its creation, and its societal impact.
The Author’s Background: From Diplomat to Gay Activist
Frédéric Martel, a French writer, sociologist, and journalist born in 1967 in Châteaurenard (Bouches-du-Rhône), holds a doctorate in social sciences and four degrees in philosophy, political science, sociology, and public law. His career began in diplomacy: from 1990 to 1992, he worked at the French embassy in Romania, and later at France’s Ministry of Culture. Martel served as an advisor to several ministers, including Michel Rocard and Martine Aubry, and held the position of cultural attaché at the French embassy in the United States from 2001 to 2005. As a journalist, he contributes to outlets such as Slate.fr, L’Obs, and foreign publications like Il Fatto Quotidiano in Italy and El País in Spain.
Martel is openly gay, and this identity significantly shapes his work. His first notable book, The Pink and the Black: Homosexuals in France Since 1968 (1996), explored the evolution of France’s LGBT community post-May 1968. Later works include Global Gay: How Gay Culture is Changing the World (2013), which examined the globalization of LGBT rights across over 50 countries, and Smart: The Internet That Makes Us Smarter (2015). Often described as an activist, Martel’s writings not only document but also advocate for changes in the perception of LGBT issues. In In the Closet of the Vatican, he employs immersive journalism—deep engagement with the subject matter, relying on anonymous sources and fieldwork. Critics, however, accuse him of bias, suggesting that as a gay journalist, he may amplify aspects aligning with his worldview.
Investigative Methodology: Interviews, Secrets, and Journalistic Ethics
Martel spent four years in Rome and traveling globally, interviewing church figures at all levels. Many sources remain anonymous, a common practice for sensitive topics but one that raises questions about verifiability. He claims to have recorded most conversations but refrains from publishing them for ethical reasons. The book is structured in parts, covering periods from the “Revolution of Desire” (1968–1979) to the “End of Carefree Living” (1981–1989), with a focus on the present day.
The central argument is that homosexuality in the Vatican is not a marginal phenomenon but a structural reality. Martel estimates that 80% of the clergy are gay, citing assessments from the Pope’s former chief Latinist. Many practice homosexuality while publicly denouncing it as an “objective moral disorder.” Martel describes a “culture of secrecy and hypocrisy,” where homosexuality serves as a tool of power: career advancement hinges on networks built on shared secrets, while vulnerability leads to the cover-up of scandals.
Core Themes: Power, Vulnerability, and Contradictions
A central theme is homosexuality as both a source of power and vulnerability. In an environment where celibacy is the norm, gay priests often rise through the hierarchy faster, unburdened by family obligations. However, this creates a system where sexual abuses are concealed: “homophobic” cardinals, themselves gay, protect each other to safeguard their own secrets. Martel links this to the cover-up of pedophilia, while emphasizing that homosexuality and pedophilia are distinct issues. He argues that “living in the closet” fosters a culture of silence, where scandals are suppressed to avoid exposure.
Martel examines the interplay between power structures, personal lives, and Church doctrine. Officially, the Church condemns homosexuality (e.g., banning same-sex marriage), yet internally, a “double standard” prevails. He highlights internal conflicts: the heterosexual minority (about 20%) tends to be more tolerant, while homosexual clergy are often the fiercest critics of LGBT issues, driven by self-loathing and projection. Martel provides examples: cardinals purchasing gay saunas or organizing orgies while publicly opposing the “homosexual lobby.”
The book concludes with detailed accounts of scandals and personalities. For instance, Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo, accused of ties to drug cartels and the murder of progressive priests, also led a secret life involving minors. Another example is Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who allegedly purchased a gay sauna in Rome. Martel mentions Pope Benedict XVI, who criticized gays but had a “romantic” relationship with his secretary, Georg Gänswein. Even Pope Francis, a heterosexual, faces resistance from the “right wing”—often closeted gay clergy.
Critique of the Book: Strengths and Weaknesses
The book impresses with its depth, illuminating systemic issues that explain the Church’s crises, such as pedophilia scandals or Benedict XVI’s resignation. A bestseller in multiple countries, translated into 20 languages, it earned praise from The Guardian for exposing “moral falsity” and from The New York Times for analyzing the “homosexual elite.” Martel proposes reforms: abolishing celibacy, acknowledging homosexuality, and combating hypocrisy.
However, the book faces significant criticism. Many claims rely on rumors and anonymous sources, lacking documentary evidence—Catholic World Report calls it “insinuations without proof.” As a gay activist, Martel may be biased: First Things accuses him of providing “comfort for predators,” while NCR criticizes its sensationalism. The book overlooks the Church’s positive contributions, focusing solely on negatives, and fails to clearly distinguish between consensual relationships and abuses. Some Goodreads reviews (average rating of about 3.7 from 379 reviews) praise its informativeness but criticize it as “gossip.”
Societal Impact: Scandals, Debates, and Church Response
The book caused a firestorm, published just before a synod on abuse, forcing the Vatican to respond. Cardinal Raymond Burke withdrew from an institute after the announcement of a Steve Bannon film based on the book. On X (Twitter), discussions continue, from quotes about “queer religiosity” to jokes about Conclave (a 2024 film inspired by similar themes). Church critics use the book to argue against celibacy, while conservatives dismiss it as “anti-Catholic.”
The book’s impact lies in explaining the Church’s loss of trust. Martel responds to critics: “Catholics don’t like the truth,” asserting that he serves the Church by demanding reform.
Conclusion: A Necessary but Controversial Exposé
In the Closet of the Vatican is a powerful investigation that exposes the Catholic Church’s hypocrisy, but its sensationalism and lack of evidence make it vulnerable to criticism. As a journalist, I see it as a call for transparency: the Church must acknowledge its issues to restore trust. For a concise summary, it’s a book about secrets that erode institutions. As for my take: it sparks debate but requires critical reading to separate fact from speculation. For deeper insight, I recommend reading the original.
In the Closet of the Vatican PDF