Homosexuals are loved by God and
must not be marginalised, Pope Francis said in his book 'God's
name is mercy' written with Vaticanist Andrea Tornielli and
published Tuesday.
"First and foremost I prefer to speak of 'homosexual
people': first comes the person, in his or her fullness and
dignity. And a person is not defined by their sexual orientation
alone: let's not forget that we are all creatures loved by God,"
Francis said.
"I prefer it if homosexual people come to confession, if
they remain close to God, if we can pray together," he
continued.
Francis also returned to his famous phrase 'who am I to
judge?', which for many signaled a turning point in the Church's
attitude towards the homosexual community.
"On that occasion I said: if a person is gay, seeks the
Lord and is of good will, who am I to judge? I paraphrased from
memory the catechism of the Catholic Church, which explains that
these people must be treated with sensitivity and not
marginalised," he said.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
