In an exclusive interview with the digital outlet Crux, Pope Leo XIV stated that his attitude toward LGBTQ Catholics will be one of welcome, but without changing the Church’s doctrine.
POPE LEO XIV
I'm trying not to continue to polarize or promote polarization in the church and I'm trying to say, this is what Francis said very clearly when he would say, “todos, todos todos”, everyone is invited in. But I don't invite a person in because they are or are not of any specific identity. I invite a person in because as a son or daughter of God and say, you're all welcome and let's get to know one another and respect one another.
The Pope recalled that, in different regions of the world, the LGBTQ issue can causes tensions, but he clarified that the Church's doctrine remains firm.
POPE LEO XIV
Any priest whose ever heard confessions will have heard confessions from all kinds of people with all kinds of issues, all kinds of states of life, and choices that are made. But, but I think that the church's teaching will continue as it is, and, and that's what I have to say about that right now.
The Pope also referred to initiatives in some European countries to promote blessing rituals for same-sex unions, stating that it goes against what the Church teaches.
POPE LEO XIV
It doesn't mean those people are bad people. But I mean, I think it's very important, again, to understand how to accept others who are different than we are, how to accept people who make choices in their life and to respect them.
Finally, the American pope emphasized the importance of the family as the fundamental core of society:
POPE LEO XIV
And very important: families need to be supported. They call it the traditional family. The family is father and mother (and) children. I think that that the role of the family in society, which has at times suffered in recent decades, I think that that once again has to be recognized, strengthened.
With these words, Pope Leo XIV seems to continue the message of welcome from his predecessor, Pope Francis, while reaffirming the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church at the same time.
BAM
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