Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, has made a significant statement regarding homosexuality and the laws that criminalize it.
In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, the Pope declared that while the Church views homosexuality as a sin, it is not a crime and criticized laws that criminalize it as “unjust.”
The Pope’s statement is a significant departure from the Church’s previous stance on homosexuality, which has been criticized for being discriminatory and harmful.
Pope Francis’ words signal a shift towards a more inclusive and compassionate approach to the LGBTQ community.
The Pope emphasized that every person, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect. He acknowledged that homosexuality is a complex issue and one that requires compassion and understanding.
Pope Francis also acknowledged the pain and suffering that the LGBTQ community has experienced due to discrimination and persecution. He called for an end to hate and violence against LGBTQ individuals, and urged the Church to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
The Pope’s statement is a powerful reminder that love and compassion should guide our actions towards others, regardless of their sexual orientation. It is a call to action for the Church and society as a whole to move towards a more inclusive and accepting culture.
Pope Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality or discriminate against LGBTQ people, 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.”
The Pope’s statement is consistent with his overall approach to LGBTQ people and belief that the Catholic Church should welcome everyone and not discriminate.
Some 67 countries or jurisdictions worldwide criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, 11 of which can or do impose the death penalty, according to The Human Dignity Trust, which works to end such laws.
Experts say even where the laws are not enforced, they contribute to harassment, stigmatization and violence against LGBTQ people.
In the U.S., more than a dozen states still have anti-sodomy laws on the books, despite a 2003 Supreme Court ruling declaring them unconstitutional.
Gay rights advocates say the antiquated laws are used to justify harassment, and point to new legislation, such as the “Don’t say gay” law in Florida, which forbids instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, as evidence of continued efforts to marginalize LGBTQ people.
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.
Declaring such laws “unjust,” Francis said the Catholic Church can and should work to put an end to them. “It must do this. It must do this,” he said.
Francis quoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church in saying gay people must be welcomed and respected, and should not be marginalized or discriminated against. “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.
Pope Francis’ remarks come ahead of a trip to Africa, where such laws are common, as they are in the Middle East. Many date from British colonial from colonial times or are inspired by Islamic law. Some Catholic bishops have strongly upheld them as consistent with Vatican teaching, while others have called for them to be overturned as a violation of basic human dignity.
In 2019, Pope Francis had been criticized for his handling of sexual abuse within the Church, and for not doing enough to address the issue. However, his recent statement on homosexuality shows a commitment to progress and inclusivity within the Church.
Pope Francis’ words have been welcomed by gay rights advocates and members of the LGBTQ community as a milestone in the Church’s history. They serve as a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect. The Pope’s call for an end to laws that criminalize homosexuality and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is a step in the right direction towards a more inclusive and accepting society.
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Source: MandyNews.com
