ROME—In what has begun to ruffle the conservatism of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis yes make the most decisive comments above homosexuality during his ten-year pontificate. “Homosexuality is not a crime,” he said Related press in an interview in Rome. “It is not a crime. Yes, but that is a sin. All right, but first distinguish between sin and evil. It is also a sin to lack charity towards one another.”
He went on to criticize 67 countries that criminalize homosexuality, calling them “unjust” and calling on bishops in countries that support such legislation to go through “a process of change” to recognize it. dignity of all people. “These bishops must have a conversion process.”
The comments, made in Spanish, are sure to revive criticisms of Francis’ seemingly “liberal” stance on homosexuality, which many consider inappropriate. with Catholic dogma calling homosexuality “a disorder of nature”. He echoed his often-spoken comments about welcoming gays into the Catholic church. “We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength each of us fights for our dignity.”
When asked about the criticisms from cardinals and bishops affiliated with Pope Benedict XVI, who died on December 31, 2022, he called them nasty criticisms, “just like” a rash that makes you a little uncomfortable.”
However, he said he did not want to silence them. “You want them not to criticize, for the sake of peace,” he said. “But I prefer them to do it because it means having freedom of speech.”
He said that if they were not allowed to express their objections, the Vatican would be a dictatorship, which although the pope is the supreme leader it is not. “If it weren’t for this, there would be a dictatorship far away, as I call it, where the emperor was and no one could tell him anything,” he said. “No, let them do it because… criticism helps you grow and improve things.”
Francis was also asked about his relationship with the disgraced Cardinal George Pell, who passed away on January 10 following hip surgery. Cardinal Pell was convicted and later acquitted of historic sex crimes in his native Australia, and criticized for his role in covering up sexual abuse by clerics. Pell also wrote an anonymous blog post criticizing the pope as a “disaster.” Francis, who attended his funeral inside the Basilica of St. Peter, said he has no grudge. “Even though they said he criticized me, well, he has a right. Criticism is a human right,” said Pope Francis. “He’s a great guy. Great.”
Francis also clarified rumors about whether he would resign when Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope to resign in 400 years, has died. “I am in good health. At my age, I’m fine,” said the 86-year-old, adding that he still has diverticulitis that will require him to have 13 inches of his large intestine removed in 2021. He then joked: ” I may die tomorrow, but it’s under control. I am in good health.”
