Being Homosexual Isn't a Crime, But It's Still a Sin, Says Pope Francis

There are currently 67 countries that criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity worldwide, according to The Human Dignity Trust. Eleven of them even have death penalties for such offenses if defendants are found guilty. And some of the Catholic Church's own bishops globally have pledged their support for these laws, catching the attention of Pope Francis.

The Pope recently addressed this issue in an interview with The Associated Press, saying that these bishops should apply “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us.”

“These bishops have to have a process of conversion,” he expressed. The Pope then claimed that such laws were "unjust" and that the Church needs to work with concerned parties to put a stop to these discriminatory laws.

He quoted the Catechism of the Church, too, saying that the Church should respect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and not marginalize them. “We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity,” he noted.

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Most importantly, the Pope said that we need to clarify the "distinction" between what we call a crime and what we consider a sin. He pointed out how a lack of charity, for instance, is also a sin.

“Being homosexual is not a crime,” he said. “It’s not a crime. Yes, but it’s a sin. Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime.”

The Pope has historically had a less harsh stance towards the community compared to his predecessors. In 2013, when the subject of a gay priest came came up, he famously said, “Who am I to judge?” The Pope has publicly opposed the criminalization of homosexuality since 2019.

Nevertheless, Pope Francis has also been on the receiving end of criticism by the community. In 2021, he was scrutinized for saying that the Church cannot bless same-sex marriages, claiming that "God cannot bless sin."