Could a Catholic give a SIMPLE (yes or no) answer to this question:
If the Pope did suddenly say that homosexuality or homosexual acts are no longer a sin, would that make it so in the Catholic religion?
It would mean that either he never was the Pope, or that he had just ceased to be Pope.
NO!
No.
(Note: if you want to talk to a leftist, "heterodox" catholic -- possibly some Dhim relative or in-law, you will need a bit more than that, though)
No.
There have been some really sinful popes in the past. They can be quite fallible in their actions, thoughts and personal opinions.
Popes are only infallible in the exercise of the office as shepherd and teacher. Papal infallibility is based on his adherence to scripture, tradition and magisterium (which is dependent on scripture).
As homosexual acts are clearly wrong, as described in the Bible, and that the Church has never accepted homosexual acts as anything but sinful, the Pope would have no basis on which to change Church dogma on homosexuality. It would thus be his opinion, and nothing more.
The answer is No. The Pope cannot change any doctrine on his own. The Magisterium (all Catholic bishops united to him) must speak in unity on a matter pertaining to faith or morals in order to refine (never contradict) a major teaching.
If a pig sprouted wings and flew past your window, would it be a bird?
He can’t, and wont, and no