Pope Francis has called for a shift in the Catholic Church’s attitude toward homosexuality, stating that bishops, in particular, must be welcome and respectful.
“We are all God’s children, and God loves us for who we are and for the strength with which each of us strives for our dignity,” Francis said in a Vatican interview with the Associated Press.
The pope stated that homosexuality is not a crime.
He then said that was a sin, but first, let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime.
It is likewise a sin to be unkind to one another.
Pope Francis stated that the Catholic Church should fight to repeal laws that criminalize homosexuality and discriminate against the community in some nations.
“It has to do this.
“It has to do this,” he stated.
He went on to say that bishops in particular should show “tenderness, please, as God has for each of us.” After declaring “who am I to judge” in response to a question about a homosexual priest in 2013, Pope Francis was first hailed as the best chance for liberals.
However, the Vatican has subsequently shifted its stance on LGBTQ issues, with its theology office issuing a decree in 2021 stating that the church cannot celebrate same-sex partnerships “since God cannot bless sin.”
