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Pope Francis comment this week that he would not judge priests for their sexual orientation has stirred discussion and debate around the world.
“If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” the pope was quoted by reporters.
The pope’s remarks came up during an 80-minute, impromptu news conference on his flight back to Rome from Brazil, and have been widely reported.
Observers, however, said that the pontiff’s remark did nothing to change Catholic doctrine, which prohibits homosexual sex but not the state of homosexuality.
Some media reports said conservative Catholics sought to downplay the statements.
“He addressed the issue [of gays in the church] in a more frank way, but this is not a departure” from Catholic teachings, said Ashley McGuire, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Catholic Association.
“Pope Francis was pointing out that Catholics with a homosexual orientation, honestly living out their faith and seeking God (as all Catholics should), are integral members of the church,” said Ramon Luzarraga, a theology professor at the Benedictine University of Mesa, Arizona.
The pope’s statement came up when he was asked about a supposed “gay lobby” of Vatican officials, purported to have been discussed in a confidential report he was given upon his election to the papacy.
Francis said he did not approve of any kind of lobby, but that it was important to distinguish that from priests or other Catholics who might be gay.
Jesuit commentator James Martin said the remarks constituted a dramatic change in the church’s attitude toward homosexuality.
On the role of women in the Church, Pope Francis said: “We cannot limit the role of women in the Church to altar girls or the president of a charity, there must be more.
“But with regards to the ordination of women, the Church has spoken and says no… That door is closed.”
Answering questions about the troubled Vatican bank, he said the institution must become “honest and transparent” and that he would listen to advice on whether it could be reformed or should be shut down altogether.
“I don’t know what will become of the bank. Some say it is better that is a bank, others that it should be a charitable fund and others say close it,” he said.
Pope Francis’ remarks generated many headlines, with media outlets around the world highlighting the statement “who am I to judge?”
Sources
Image: AP/Los Angeles Times
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