This spring, former Pope Benedict XVI referred to marriage equality as “absurd”. His statements in May, 2020 showed that not much had changed from his 1975 opinion, where, in a writing to the bishops, he informed the church that being LGBT was an objective disorder, and seemed to portray it as a cross they would be forced to carry. Fast forward to this morning, when Pope Francis came forward with quite a different viewpoint, as noted by the Catholic News Agency:
“Homosexuals have a right to be a part of the family. They’re children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out, or be made miserable because of it,” Pope Francis said in the film, of his approach to pastoral care.
In the documentary, which aired in Rome last night, Pope Francis discussed his concerns over numerous issues — immigrants, the environment, peace. His discussions regarding the role of the Church on LGBT issues, will make waves
“What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered,” the pope said. “I stood up for that.”
The film addresses the pastoral outreach of Pope Francis to those who identify as LGBT, including a story of the pontiff encouraging two Italian men in a same-sex relationship to raise their children in their parish church, which, one of the men said, was greatly beneficial to his children.
“He didn’t mention what was his opinion on my family. Probably he’s following the doctrine on this point,” the man said, while praising the pope for a disposition and attitude of welcome and encouragement.
This is not a perfect conclusion for the church, but this is a significant change, and it reverses a large part of the 1975 position. It certainly opens the discussion for more American Catholics who may have felt cut out from their own church.
