He was definitely wrong about that. As with every part of a human, the conscience, too, is fallen, even though God can use it to good effect. Romans 1&2.
balance its divisive rules about abortion, gays and contraception with the greater need to make it a merciful, more welcoming place for all
The problem with this statement by the pope is its ambiguity. If he means, "Don't be the Revelation church of Ephesus.", then I'll wait for clarification from him. That would mean to me that he's saying, "Reject the sin, but love the sinner." I have no problem with that formulation.
If he's saying, however: "Ignore sin; go along to get along.", then I would say that he's pushing the church toward Pergamum & Thyatira by way of Laodicea.
Better to be a biblical Christian, and then we don't have to await some man clarifying his meaning. As a biblical Christian we are to "work out (our) own salvation with fear and trembling."
The issue, as i see it is this: the sinner out there, whether atheist or homosexual sees these statements and immediately feels better about their sin. “Hey! The Pope says it's OK to be an atheist! As long as i live a good life I'm OK.”
We are told that religious leaders will be judged harder, i think this is the very reason why.