Pope and homosexuality
What’s the context?
Some LGBTQ+ Catholics are "disappointed" by the new pontiff's past comments on homosexuality
LONDON - The world was watching as Pope Leo XIV delivered his first mass on Sunday, days after becoming the first American elected pope.
Robert Francis Prevost has used his initial days as leader of the Catholic world to call for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of imprisoned journalists.
LGBTQ+ rights groups are now waiting to see if he will follow in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis, who met with trans women, urged the Catholic Church to seek forgiveness from gay people and allowed priests to bless same-sex couples.
Leo has not discussed LGBTQ+ issues since his election, but previous comments he made about homosexuality have "disappointed" members of the LGBTQ+ faithful.
Here's everything you need to know.
What is Francis' legacy on trans rights?
Francis, who died on April 21, was seen as more accepting of LGBTQ+ rights than previous popes, including his predecessor Benedict, who viewed gay marriage as a threat to t
Pope: Church open to all, but 'no' to blessings of same-sex unions
By Salvatore Cernuzio
Pope Francis reiterated his vision of an accessible Church and the principle of inclusiveness, central to his pontificate, during an interview with Norah O’Donnell, Director of CBS Evening News. Recorded at Santa Marta on April 24 and aired in part on the program "60 Minutes."
"The Gospel is for everyone," he said, including all sinners, and warned that if the Church sets up “customs checkpoints”, it ceases to be the Church of Christ.
Regarding the issue of blessings of same-sex unions mentioned in the doctrinal document Fiducia Supplicans, he clarified that while blessings are for individuals, same-sex unions cannot be blessed because it would proceed against “the law of the Church”.
Surrogacy is a business
Regarding homosexuality, the journalist recalled the Pope‘s affirmation that "homosexuality is not a crime." "No. It is a human condition" he commented. And while condemning surrogacy, which he said "has become a business, and this is ver
Pope Francis says homosexuality is a sin but not a crime
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal might and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the adj God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rath
Seven Quotes That Make Pope Francis Complicated for LGBTQ+ People
Francis' tenure as pope has also been notable by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community for his adoption of a more conciliatory tone toward LGBTQ+ people than that of his predecessors. "But anyone who utters Christian words without putting them into rehearse hurts oneself and others," said Pope Francis in
So where does Pope Francis stand on LGBTQ+ people?
ON INCLUSION
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"If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them?"
Let's start off with one of the most decisive moments in Francis' papacy for LGBTQ+ people. When asked about gay priests during a spontaneous exchange with the apply pressure, he responded, "If they [gay priests] accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn't be marginalized. The tendency [same-sex attraction] is not the difficulty they're our brothers."1
The fact that Pope Francis made such a comment – and used the word "gay" in English – was radical, and helped propel significant conversations in parishes and dioce