Pope Francis in Interview says Homosexuality is not a Crime and that He Lost a Father with Death of Benedict XVI - from Associated Press
Pope emphasizes in new AP interview: "I'm in good health" - Francis himself is not planning any regulations for future papal resignations.
Pope Francis affirmed he had a positive relationship with his predecessor Benedict XVI. With his death he lost a father (a Dad), a good companion, said Francis in an interview with the news agency "Associated Press" (Jan. 25th). "He was a security for me. When I had doubts, I asked for the car and went to the monastery and asked," explained the 86-year-old.
On December 31, the German retired-Pope died in the monastery of the Vatican Gardens, where he spent his retirement.
Francis said his election was a surprise at first. Then the discomfort came "when they started to see my mistakes and didn't like them". The criticism was uncomfortable, "like a rash that bothers you a bit," admitted the pope.
But the only thing he asks for is "that you say it to my face, because that's how we all grow, right?" said Francis.
He called laws criminalizing homosexuals unjust but reiterated Catholic Church teaching that homosexual activity is sinful. “Being homosexual is not a crime. It’s not a crime. Yes, it’s a sin. Well, yes, but let’s make the distinction first between sin and crime,” he said.
Pope Francis warned in an interview with the Associated Press (AP) that the synodal process in the Catholic Church in Germany, with calls for ordination of married men and other "reforms," could become a harmful "ideology." In the interview, the Pope emphasized that dialogue in itself is good. "But the 'German experience' doesn't help," said Francis. The Pope also criticized the fact that the German synodal process was led by an "elite" and that "the people of God" were not involved. According to Francis, the goal must always be "unity". "There is a danger that something very 'ideological' will come in. When ideology is included in a church process, the Holy Spirit goes home."
According to the Pope, he prefers open criticism to silence: "If it weren't so, there would be what I call a dictatorship at a distance, where the emperor is there and nobody can say anything to him.
No, let them talk, because Criticism helps to grow and improve things."
Concerning the criticism of the recently deceased Cardinal George Pell who in a posthumously published letter sharply criticized the World Synod proclaimed by the Pope, describing the project as a "toxic nightmare". Francis said he had the right to do so. Criticism is a human right.
The Pope further emphasized the role of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. "I will continue to be bishop, bishop of Rome in communion with all the bishops of the world," he said of his near future. The AP quoted the pope as saying that he wanted to put an end to the concept of a papacy as a purely power factor.
In the interview, the 86-year-old Francis underlined his good health. "I am in good health. I could die tomorrow, but everything is under control," said the Pope. His health is "normal" for his age. The broken bone in his knee has now healed without surgery, but his intestinal disease, diverticulosis, has returned. In 2021, the Pope underwent an operation due to an inflammation in the intestine.
According to Francis, he is not currently thinking about resigning, but he could imagine it in principle. Benedict XVI opened the door for it. His decision to continue living in the Vatican was a "good interim solution" is out of the question for Francis. As on other occasions, Pope Francis declared that if he resigned, he would then live as Bishop Emeritus of Rome, in a residence for retired priests in the Italian capital's diocese.
He does not plan to enact regulations for future papal resignations. The Vatican needs more experience for that. "As we gain more experience, we could regulate it," he said. "But at the moment it hasn't crossed my mind."
According to the Pope, he prefers open criticism to silence: "If it weren't so, there would be what I call a dictatorship at a distance, where the emperor is there and nobody can say anything to him.
No, let them talk, because Criticism helps to grow and improve things."
Concerning the criticism of the recently deceased Cardinal George Pell who in a posthumously published letter sharply criticized the World Synod proclaimed by the Pope, describing the project as a "toxic nightmare". Francis said he had the right to do so. Criticism is a human right.
The Pope further emphasized the role of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. "I will continue to be bishop, bishop of Rome in communion with all the bishops of the world," he said of his near future. The AP quoted the pope as saying that he wanted to put an end to the concept of a papacy as a purely power factor.
In the interview, the 86-year-old Francis underlined his good health. "I am in good health. I could die tomorrow, but everything is under control," said the Pope. His health is "normal" for his age. The broken bone in his knee has now healed without surgery, but his intestinal disease, diverticulosis, has returned. In 2021, the Pope underwent an operation due to an inflammation in the intestine.
According to Francis, he is not currently thinking about resigning, but he could imagine it in principle. Benedict XVI opened the door for it. His decision to continue living in the Vatican was a "good interim solution" is out of the question for Francis. As on other occasions, Pope Francis declared that if he resigned, he would then live as Bishop Emeritus of Rome, in a residence for retired priests in the Italian capital's diocese.
He does not plan to enact regulations for future papal resignations. The Vatican needs more experience for that. "As we gain more experience, we could regulate it," he said. "But at the moment it hasn't crossed my mind."
Source: Apnews.com
https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212
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