Pope Francis continues to break tradition in the Catholic Church, speaking out against anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and insisting homosexuality is not a crime. The religious leader previously expressed support for same-sex civil unions. However, he now insists that homosexual relationships should not be considered contrary to the law.
It’s still illegal to be gay in 69 countries around the world, nearly half of them in alcohol. In fact, you could end up being executed for it. And while some progress is being made in changing these outdated and barbaric laws, there’s still a long way to go. Pope Francis believes that such a harsh stance against homosexuality is cruel and inappropriate, as he recently shared.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Pope Francis simply said, “Being homosexual isn’t a crime.” However, if you think this signifies a stance in the Catholic Church’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community, think again. Francis still believes it’s a sin.
Pope Francis is calling for more compassion for homosexuality
Pope Francis did insist that church leaders around the world need to change their attitudes in order to respect and love all of God’s children regardless of sexual orientation.
“These bishops have to have a process of conversion,” he said, calling for “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us.”
Pope Francis went on to say that the Church must work to repeal anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation across the world, as such laws are “unjust.” He added: “It must do this. It must do this.”
He went on to say that the Catechism of the Catholic Church declares that people from all backgrounds must be welcomed to the church. They should not face ostracization or discrimination.
“We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity,” he declared.
