Pope Francis: “Being homosexual is not a crime, but it is a sin”

Although the supreme pontiff shares the position of the Vatican, which considers homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered”, he describes as “unjust” the laws that criminalize homosexuality.

Pope Francis addressed this Tuesday the controversial issue of homosexuality and the position of the Catholic Church on the matter. In dialogue with the Associated Press agency, he advocated the need to distinguish between what is considered a crime and a sin.

“Being homosexual is not a crime. It is not a crime, but yes it is a sin. Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime. It is also a sin to lack charity with one’s neighbor,” he assured.

Although the Supreme Pontiff shares the position of the Vatican, which considers homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered”describes as “unjust” the laws that penalize or criminalize homosexuality in some parts of the world.

Francis recognized the support of some bishops in different parts of the world for legislation that goes against the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community. He attributed that position to cultural background and invited those members of the Church to go through a “conversion process” so that they recognize the dignity of all equally.

God loves all his children equally, the pope recalled, reiterating the need to not to marginalize and to treat homosexuals with respectand to welcome them to the Church, which can and “should” work to put an end to any discriminatory law or act.

“We are all children of God, and God loves us just the way we are and for the strength with which each one of us fights for our dignity,” he concluded.