Pope statement on lgbtq

What Pope Francis said about controversial issues from homosexual rights to immigration

Pope Francis, one of the more progressive pontiff's in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday morning at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed.

Francis’ willingness to take a more linear stance on issues from LGBTQ rights to queer marriage to immigration create him one of the most progressive and leading popes of the new era.

Here are memorable moments from Francis' time where he voiced his beliefs on those topics.

Francis' stance on members of the LGBTQ community

In December 2023, Francis formally signed off on allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, he said in a declaration released by the Vatican's office.

The declaration stated, "When people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it. For those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection."

"A blessing proposals people a means to increase their trust in God. The request for a blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy and the closeness

Pope Francis allows blessings for same-sex couples under certain conditions

The Vatican has approved a landmark ruling to allow Roman Catholic priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples as lengthy as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, nor given in contexts akin to civil unions or weddings.

A document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office approved by Pope Francis on Monday said such blessings would not legitimise irregular situations but be a sign that God welcomes all.

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The document backed “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex” but “this blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them”.

It said priests should decide on a case-by-case basis and “should not

What’s the context?

Some Queer Catholics are "disappointed" by the brand-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 calm in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza and the unleash 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 search forgiveness from same-sex attracted people and allowed priests to consecrate same-sex couples.

Leo has not discussed Gay issues since his election, but previous comments he made about homosexuality hold "disappointed" members of the LGBTQ+ faithful.

Here's everything you desire 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 the "future of humanity."

Soon after his election in 2013, Francis said same-sex attracted people should not be dis

‘We are all children of God’: Pope says homosexuality not a crime

Pope Francis has criticised laws that criminalise 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 interview on Tuesday with The Linked Press.

Body of prominent Kenyan LGBTQ activist found in metal box

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US appeals court upholds Florida transgender toilet policy

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Spain’s legislators approve gender self-identification reforms

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‘Historic’: Biden signs law protecting LGBTQ marriage rights

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Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalise 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 recognise the dignity of everyone.

“These bishops have to have a process of conversion,” he said, adding that they sho
pope statement on lgbtq

Seven Quotes That Make Pope Francis Complicated for Diverse People

Francis' tenure as pope has also been notable by the queer woman , gay, bisexual, non-binary 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 practice hurts oneself and others," said Pope Francis in 2013.

So where does Pope Francis withstand on LGBTQ+ people?

ON INCLUSION

[07/2013]
"If they accept the Lord and hold goodwill, who am I to evaluate them?"

Let's start off with one of the most pivotal moments in Francis' papacy for Gay people. When asked about gay priests during a spontaneous exchange with the press, he responded, "If they [gay priests] accept the Lord and possess goodwill, who am I to assess them? They shouldn't be marginalized. The tendency [same-sex attraction] is not the problem... 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 dioceses on LGBTQ+ equality to this day. But more importantly, his comment set the tone and a