Pope: It’s not a crime to be gay, but it is a sin

POPE Francis has branded laws criminalising homosexuality ‘unjust’ and called on Catholic bishops supporting the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the Church.

‘Being homosexual isn’t a crime,’ Francis said during an interview with the Associated Press. He acknowledged Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws criminalising homosexuality or discriminate against the LGBTQ community – and referred to the issue in terms of ‘sin’.

But he attributed such attitudes to cultural backgrounds and said bishops in particular need to undergo a process of change to recognise the dignity of everyone.

‘These bishops have to have a process of conversion,’ he said, adding that they should apply ‘tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us’.

Some 67 countries or jurisdictions worldwide criminalise consensual same-sex sexual activity, 11 of which can or do impose the death penalty, according to The

‘We are all children of God’

Human Dignity Trust, which works to end such laws.

Experts say that even where the laws are not enforced, they contribute to harassment, stigmatisation and violence against LGBTQ people.

Declaring such laws ‘unjust’, Francis said the Catholic Church can and should work to put an end to them.

‘It must do this. It must do this,’ he said.

Speaking from the Vatican hotel where he lives, Francis added: ‘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.’

On Tuesday, Francis said that there needs to be a distinction between a crime and a sin with regard to homosexuality.

‘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.

‘It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another.’