We are all children of God; Homosexuality is not a crime: Pope Francis
Vatican: Pope Francis criticizes laws criminalizing homosexuality. The Pope said that such laws are unjust and that God loves all his children as they are.
The Pope also called on Catholic bishops who support laws criminalizing homosexuality to welcome LGBTQ people into the Church.
”Being gay is not a crime. “God loves all his children equally,” the Pope said.
He also stated that bishops need to undergo a process of change in order to understand the dignity of all.
“These bishops who support laws criminalizing homosexuality need to go through a process of conversion themselves.
They need to show more tenderness. God has given it to each of us and we must apply it,” Pope Francis said in an interview with The Associated Press.
The pope acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality and discriminate against the LGBTQ community, adding that such attitudes stem from a cultural background.
According to The Human Dignity Trust, around 67 countries and jurisdictions around the world have criminalized consensual same-sex sex.
In 11 of these countries, homosexuality is punishable by death.
The Human Dignity Trust says that while such laws are unenforceable in many countries, they lead to harassment, violence and other forms of exploitation against LGBTQ people.
Content Highlight: Pope Francis says homosexuality is not a crime and all are children of God