Pope Francis: "Homosexuality Is Not a Crime... We Must Distinguish Between Sin and Crime"

Pope Urges Change in Bishops' Perception
67 Countries Define Homosexuality as a Crime

Pope Francis [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Pope Francis criticized the fact that many countries around the world still classify homosexuality as a crime, calling it "unjust," and emphasized that homosexuality is not a crime.

On the 24th (local time), in an interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis said, "We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and the strength with which each of us fights for dignity."

Currently, 67 countries worldwide criminalize same-sex sexual relations, and among them, 11 countries treat it as a serious crime punishable by death. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling such laws unconstitutional in 2003, 12 states including Alabama, Ohio, and Louisiana still enforce laws banning homosexuality education in schools.

Pope Francis acknowledged that some Catholic bishops in certain parts of the world have supported laws criminalizing homosexuality and stated, "Clergy must undergo a process of change to recognize the dignity of all people." He also emphasized that the Catholic Church should work to repeal laws that criminalize homosexuality.

Furthermore, Pope Francis seemed conscious of the Catholic Church's historically sinful view of homosexuality and explained the need to distinguish between sin, as defined by Catholicism, and crime in secular society.

He said, "Being homosexual is not a crime, but it is also a sin," adding, "First, let us distinguish between sin and crime. Lack of tolerance toward one another is also a sin."

Since his ascension in 2013, Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized respect for homosexuals and the prohibition of discrimination. However, following Catholic doctrine, he has opposed blessing same-sex unions and marriages.