Notwithstanding the shade that Catholic conservatives throw at him, Pope Francis respects, and is bound by, the norms and traditions of the Catholic Church.
As such, the fact that he has made an unequivocal statement opposing the criminalization of homosexuality, even while clarifying that he considered homosexual behavior a sin, is the proverbial big fucking deal:
Pope Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.
“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” Francis said during an exclusive interview Tuesday with The Associated Press.
Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality or discriminate against the LGBTQ community, and he himself referred to the issue in terms of “sin.” But he attributed such attitudes to cultural backgrounds, and said bishops in particular need to undergo a process of change to recognize the dignity of everyone.
“These bishops have to have a process of conversion,” he said, adding that they should apply “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us.”
Francis’ comments are the first uttered by a pope about such laws, but they are consistent with his overall approach to the LGBTQ community and belief that the Catholic Church should welcome everyone and not discriminate.
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On Tuesday, Francis said there needed to be a distinction between a crime and a sin with regard to homosexuality.
“It’s not a crime. Yes, but it’s a sin,” he said. “Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime.”
“It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another,” he added.
While I disagree with the last bit, sexuality is not a sin, it is foundational to every human being in the world, whether it be straight, gay, bi, asexual, or celibate as a priest.
Still, this should stop Catholic clergy from lobbying for laws making homosexuality a criminal offense.
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