Pope Francis’ recent apology for using a vulgar term to refer to gay men has once again brought the Catholic Church’s teachings on homosexuality into the spotlight. While the Church officially states that homosexual individuals should be treated with dignity and respect, it also maintains that homosexual activity is “intrinsically disordered” and that those who practice it cannot be ordained as priests. Throughout his 11-year pontificate, Francis has made efforts to reach out to LGBTQ+ Catholics, but his informal way of speaking often leads to confusion and controversy.
One of the most notable moments in Francis’ tenure regarding LGBTQ+ issues came in 2013 when he famously said, “Who am I to judge?” in reference to a gay priest. He has also expressed messages of acceptance and love towards gay individuals, such as telling a gay man in 2018, “God made you like this and he loves you.” However, there have also been instances where his comments have been edited or clarified, such as in 2020 when the Vatican clarified the Pope’s endorsement of legal protections for same-sex couples.
In a 2023 interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis declared that “Being homosexual is not a crime,” but later clarified that while homosexual activity may not be a crime, it is considered a sin according to Catholic moral teaching. Despite these nuances, Francis has made efforts to emphasize inclusivity within the Catholic Church, as evidenced by his leading a crowd of young people in Portugal in chanting “everyone, everyone, everyone” during World Youth Day. Additionally, he has signed documents allowing transgender individuals to be baptized and serve as godparents, as well as approving blessings for same-sex couples.
However, not all of Francis’ actions regarding LGBTQ+ issues have been well-received. In 2024, he approved a doctrinal document declaring gender-affirming surgery as a grave violation of human dignity, sparking further controversy and opposition. Additionally, he reportedly made controversial comments about the presence of gay individuals in seminaries, causing offense and leading to an apology. The Pope’s approach to LGBTQ+ issues continues to be a complex and delicate subject within the Catholic Church, with supporters praising his efforts towards inclusivity while critics question the consistency and implications of his statements. As the Church grapples with evolving societal attitudes towards homosexuality, Francis remains a polarizing figure in the ongoing dialogue on LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.
