Pope Francis Declares That Criminalising Gay People Is A Sin
The Catholic Church and many Christian denominations have often been vocal about their disapproval of LGBTQIA+ people, but a recent interview with Pope Francis reveals a surprising counter-view: criminalising LGBTQIA+ people is now considered a sin against God in the eyes of The Vatican, reports Reuters.
IT’S A SIN
Pope Francis is considered to be a moderate leader of the Catholic Church, demonstrating arguably progressive ideals for the traditionally conservative religion. Most recently, Pope Francis showed public support for Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling for peace and expressing sorrow for Ukraine, which is currently defending itself against Russian invasion.
Historically, Pope Francis’ views on homosexuality have been a mixed bag. On the one hand, he has asserted that same-sex marriage is sinful but also called for parents of LGBTQIA+ youth to support their children rather than condemn them, reports Reuters.
In an interview with the Associated Press while on the Papal plane returning from South Sudan, Pope Francis expressed clearly that gay people should not be criminalised as they are children of God.
“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” he says. “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.” Reportedly when asked about the laws in action against gay people, Pope Francis labelled them unjust and expressed the need for the Church to help put an end to them.
Pope Francis has always towed the Catholic line acknowledging homosexuality as a sin, but he has also punctuated his vocal expressions of this belief by saying that all should be treated with kindness and humanity, reports Reuters.
This is the first time in the Vatican’s history that a Pope has spoken against laws that criminalise LGBTQIA+ people. Advocates are hopeful that Pope Francis’ comments will aid in dismantling the religious zeal that is weaponised against gay people.
Africa has a growing Roman Catholic population and it is in many countries in Africa that LGBTQIA+ people face severe persecution.
