The Pope and the queer community - conciliatory words?
Anyone who has recently taken a closer look at the relationship between the Catholic Church and the queer community will have noticed that the "old" tensions still seem to exist. Small glimmers of hope in this context are, among other things, the blessing services for queer couples, which are also advocated by many representatives of the church.
Now the pope was asked about the topic in an interview. Some may have been surprised by his latest statements. Because: The tones that are struck here sound almost "conciliatory"..., even if there is definitely still a long way to go.
Pope answers questions handwritten
The interview, which could well give many devout queers a little hope, is not long. Actually, the head was asked a total of three questions. These came from the organization "Outreach".
The pontiff's main message: God is also there for queers. In a handwritten statement, the pope explained that the most important thing queers should know about God is that none of "his children" are denied. Instead, "closeness, mercy and tenderness" are "God's style." This, he said, is how God can ultimately be found.
Many queers do not feel accepted by the church
Ultimately, it is or was also many statements of the past that have ensured that many queers do not feel accepted by the church. This is exactly what the Pope was confronted with during the small series of questions. The interviewers wanted to know what the Pope would say to someone who did not feel accepted by the Catholic faith community. He replied that the Church is a kind of "mother" who calls all her children together. A church that would select here is not a church, but rather a sect.
What sounds quite hopeful one moment disappoints - at least partially - the next. Because...
Pope still against blessing queer couples
Just like last year, queer couples will be blessed in 2022. However, the Pope does not agree with exactly THAT. In the past, he left no doubt that he is not comfortable with this possibility.
His decision to speak out against the blessing of same-sex couples was met with incomprehension by many people and triggered discussions - including on social networks.
Queers, however, have received and continue to receive increased support from many leaders within the Catholic Church. The demand: A stronger opening towards the queer community and the realization that sexual orientation and faith do not have to exclude each other.
However, anyone who thought that the various parishes would back down is mistaken. Instead, many responsible people have decided to bless queer couples and thus send a very special message.
However, it is highly unlikely that the Pope himself will relent here in the future. After all, he has repeatedly stated in the past that homosexuals should still be prohibited from marrying in church. The question "How do the most recent interview and statements like these fit together?" is now likely to be asked - justifiably - by many.
Is the church on the verge of a small, big revolution?
There's no question about it: the probability that something will change "right away" in the way the church deals with queers is low. New orientations and a 180° turn need time. However, it is also evident that many bishops are now behind the community.
It remains to be seen how the pope will deal with the pressure that is now arising. After all, he also has many representatives in his ranks who want to stick to the old status quo.
Did you know that World Cup hotels in Qatarreject homosexuals?