Pope Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality or discriminate against the LGBTQ community.
VATICAN CITY — 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.
“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.” The United Nations has repeatedly called for an end to laws criminalizing homosexuality outright, saying they violate rights to privacy and freedom from discrimination and are a breach of countries’ obligations under international law to protect the human rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“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,” Francis said, speaking to the AP in the Vatican hotel where he lives. In the end, the pope did not meet with the groups, which instead met with the Vatican No. 2, who reaffirmed “the dignity of every human person and against every form of violence.”
Starting with his famous 2013 declaration “Who am I to judge?” when he was asked about a purportedly gay priest, Francis has gone on to minister repeatedly and publicly to the gay and trans community. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, he favored granting legal protections to same-sex couples as an alternative to endorsing gay marriage, which Catholic doctrine forbids.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The AP Interview: Pope Francis: 'Homosexuality not a crime'VATICAN CITY (AP) — 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.
Read more »
The AP Interview: Pope Francis: ‘Homosexuality not a crime’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.
Read more »
Pope Francis calls laws criminalizing homosexuality 'unjust''Being homosexual is not a crime ... but it's a sin,' the pope told AP in an interview published today.
Read more »
Boys soccer: Central Catholic’s Caple Esquivel named E-N Player of the WeekCentral Catholic’s Caple Esquivel scored three goals in two games for the Buttons to...
Read more »
Giancarlo Esposito Joins Cast Of Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’EXCLUSIVE: Francis Ford Coppola has added Giancarlo Esposito to the all-star cast of Megalopolis. Esposito played Gus Fring in Breaking Bad and got an Emmy nom for reprising in Better Call Saul. Es…
Read more »
Fine Arts on Display, For Sale at Suburban Catholic SchoolThe Academy of Notre Dame de Namur is inviting the public to see a fine art show from various artists. Money raised from the art show and sale go toward educational programs at the all girl’s Catholic school in Villanova, Pennsylvania.
Read more »