Francis' comments were widely reported in the popular press, becoming one of his most famous statements on lgbtq people An unmistakable sign.” pope francis’s gestures of openness toward the gay community have led to a more capacious definition and understanding of family, one with political implications. [2][3][4] welcoming the comments, lgbtq group gay catholic voice ireland said that this is the first time a pope has used the word 'gay', a word originating from within the lgbtq community, rather than 'homosexual', a word.
Pope francis' approach to lgbtq issues marked a major, if mixed, shift in tone for the catholic church − from scorn to tolerance and acceptance. Pope francis’ lgbtq+ views back in 2023, he said during an interview with the associated press that being homosexual was ‘not a crime’, arguing that laws criminalising homosexuality or homosexual activity were. In january 2023, pope francis said that “being homosexual isn’t a crime” and called laws that criminalize homosexuality “unjust” in an exclusive interview with the ap.
