Topline
Pope Francis criticized conservative church leaders in the U.S. during an interview with CBS News 60 Minutes Sunday evening, saying they were acting dogmatically, while he also discussed blessing gay couples and Texas’ efforts to crack down on a Catholic charity aiding undocumented migrants.
Pope Francis said if someone was gay and was searching for "the Lord" then "who am I to judge?"
Key Facts
Speaking to CBS’s Norah O'Donnell through a Spanish translator, the Pope addressed criticism of his reforms by conservative American bishops, saying a “conservative” was one who “clings to something and does not want to see beyond that.”
He said this was a “suicidal attitude” and said these people were going beyond simply taking tradition into account and were rather “closed up inside a dogmatic box.”
When asked about his move to approve blessing same-sex couples, Francis clarified he did not authorize blessing their union as “that is not the sacrament” but rather blessing individuals in a same-sex union because blessings are “for everyone.”
He added that some people were “scandalized” by this decision, but he doesn’t understand why.
The Pope also addressed the Texas government’s effort to shut down a Catholic charity that offers humanitarian aid to undocumented migrants, saying it was “sheer madness…to close the border and leave them there.”
He said each migrant must be received and authorities may then decide how to deal with them: “Maybe you have to send him back… but each case ought to be considered humanely.”
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Crucial Quote
Francis said: “If someone is gay...and he searches for the Lord and has good will…who am I to judge?” When asked about his comment that that homosexuality was not a crime, he responded: “It is a human fact.”
Key Background
Pope Francis approved the blessing of same-sex couples by priests last December, building on his earlier reforms of the Catholic Church on LGBTQ+ issues. In a letter announcing the change, the Vatican said people in same-sex unions should not face “an exhaustive moral analysis” for receiving their blessings. A few months prior, Francis approved a document allowing transgender people to be baptized. However, these reforms have faced pushback from some Catholic clergy in the U.S.
Further Reading
Pope Francis authorizes blessings for same-sex couples (CNN)
American Catholics Split on Pope’s Blessing for Gay Couples (New York Times)
