Posted on 01/28/2023 7:31:06 AM PST by ebb tide
This week, in an interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis became the first pope to call for the decriminalization of homosexuality. It was an historic step towards the Catholic Church’s protection of vulnerable LGBTQ people around the world. (Read our coverage of the pope’s recent remarks here.)
During his interview, the Holy Father imagined a hypothetical conversation in which a person might object by saying, “Being homosexual is a sin,” and the pope suggested a response: “It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another.”
Some media outlets, however, ascribed these sentiments directly to the pope, even though church teaching does not state that the homosexual orientation itself is a sin. As the pope said in his interview, as he has on other occasions: “It is a human condition.”
To help clarify things, Outreach asked the Holy Father three questions, in Spanish, and received a written response from him. We framed these questions as an interview, in order that he knew that his responses would be made public. Our three questions were:
The pope’s written response to Outreach editor James Martin, S.J., appears below, translated from the Spanish by J.D. Long-García and Ivan Briggeler.
Dear brother,
Thank you for your letter.
It is not the first time that I speak of homosexuality and of homosexual persons.
And I wanted to clarify that it is not a crime, in order to stress that criminalization is neither good nor just.
When I said it is a sin, I was simply referring to Catholic moral teaching, which says that every sexual act outside of marriage is a sin. Of course, one must also consider the circumstances, which may decrease or eliminate fault. As you can see, I was repeating something in general. I should have said “It is a sin, as is any sexual act outside of marriage.” This is to speak of “the matter” of sin, but we know well that Catholic morality not only takes into consideration the matter, but also evaluates freedom and intention; and this, for every kind of sin.
And I would tell whoever wants to criminalize homosexuality that they are wrong.
In a televised interview, where we spoke with natural and conversational language, it is understandable that there would not be such precise definitions.
I pray for you and for your work. Please do the same for me.
May Jesus bless you and may the Holy Virgin protect you.
Fraternally,
Francisco
There he goes again with that "dicernment" to commit sin.
Not your yob, Poop.
Barf Alert Ping
You are not some guy sitting on a barstool, you are a shepherd.
If you are not prepared to speak of such matters with precise language, then perhaps it is better to not speak at all.
So they are adopting the ‘everything is relative’ doctrine now?
BUMP!
As the Apostle Paul said, we have two natures - one flesh, and one spirit. He described the daily battle he had with the flesh inclination, and said in Romans, 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Anyone that has watched their dogs see their animal behaviors, and thus see the things that that they do that are similar to themselves. So, is it a sin to do what an animal does? No, that is his nature. So Paul admonished us to seek after that spiritual nature that we all possess. To stay mired in your animal nature seems to be a sin to me, I I personally do not believe that God Created us to stay as animals. He did create us with two natures, so that we would have a choice, where animals do not. So, is it a sin? If you define a sin as rebelling against God’s wishes for us, then I suppose it is. But homosexuality is not elevated beyond gossip, envy, gluttony, etc., or any other act of rebellion against God. They are all evil in God’s eye in my humble opinion. Likewise, to encourage animal behavior is a sin I believe, and ultimately we will be judged on that.
I really hope people wake up and realize that the satanic rc church has nothing to do with being a believer. One world religion coming.
OK, Popey, what about rampant homosexuality within the Vatican?
Breaking your oath with your god? Is that not a crime?
You gonna split such hairs when facing the first Pope?
I don’t really give a flip so long as consulting ADULTS are involved and no oath breakers are involved. But, YOU should.
The Pope has sold out.
RCINC looking to increase revenues (those 700$/hr defense attorneys fees add up)
RCINC is the oldest most profitable multinational corporation on the planet. Also the most hypocritical- preach open borders while Vatican is surrounded by 40’ high walls.
Okay Frankie, here’s the deal. Does the Bible say that it is wrong? If so, then it is WRONG. End of discussion. Do not argue with the inerrant Word of Almighty God.
I don’t think Jesus had to clarify any of the statements he made with, “well their could be special circumstances” or “you took what I said out of context”. Did He?
the pope and some of his ilk seem hell-bent on normalizing homosexuality - even glorifying it and coddling it- despite what God’s word has to say about it- They are creating a god in their own image- because they certainly aren’t servign the God of the bible
ANTI pope. Not the pope. Never has been, never will be.
Thanks. The title is all one needs to know. Out to lunch before he gets started. Though I do want to know if he begins to look at “circumstances” regarding adultery and murder.
Just as a philosophical matter of course.
Francis the talking mule puts his hoof in his mouth again.
I think that statement applies to getting rid of the pope as well.
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