Pope: "Homosexuals Are Also Children of the Lord"... Expresses Support for Same-Sex Union Law

Conservative Catholics and Historical Changes on LGBTQ Issues
Possibility of Progressive-Conservative Conflicts Remaining within Catholicism

Pope Francisco
Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Pope Francis has voiced that same-sex couples should also receive legal protection. With the Pope expressing support for the Civil Union law, it is being seen as the beginning of a historic change even within the traditionally conservative Catholic Church regarding LGBTQ+ issues.

According to foreign media on the 21st (local time), Pope Francis said in the documentary "Francisco," which was screened as the opening film of the Rome International Film Festival, "Homosexuals also have the right to become family as children of the Lord," adding, "No one should be cast out or made miserable because of that (being LGBTQ+)." He further stated, "Establishing a Civil Union law is the way to ensure they can be legally protected."

This is the first time Pope Francis has expressed support for the Civil Union law since his ascension to the papacy in 2013. Until now, the Pope had never voiced that society should support homosexual couples. Foreign media reported that while Pope Francis, during his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, did not support same-sex marriage, he had expressed support for same-sex unions. However, after becoming Pope, although he voiced progressive opinions on LGBTQ+ issues, he had not gone as far as to support the Civil Union law.

Since this statement contradicts traditional Catholic doctrine, there is a possibility of conflict between progressive and conservative factions within the Catholic Church. The Roman Curia has previously stated, "Respecting homosexuals does not in any case mean supporting homosexuality or legally recognizing same-sex unions."

The Civil Union law is a kind of alternative to same-sex marriage, adopted by some European countries and certain states in the United States. This law essentially grants the same rights and responsibilities to same-sex unions as those arising from heterosexual marriage.

Previously, Pope Francis also attracted attention by taking a progressive stance regarding the treatment of divorced and remarried individuals. In an August 2015 Mass, the Pope said, "These people have not been excommunicated, and will not be excommunicated," adding, "Therefore, they should not be treated in that way, and they are always part of the Church."