Pope Francis remembered as ‘ally’ to LGBTQ+ community

By Hazel Camba

Following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, Catholics, world leaders, and advocacy groups mourned his passing, honoring his legacy of compassion and his support for marginalized communities.

In an interview with CBS Mornings, Sarah Kate Ellis, president and chief executive officer of the United States-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group GLAAD, described the late pontiff as a true ally. 

When asked if Pope Francis could be considered an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, Ellis responded, “Absolutely, yes!”

She acknowledged that his record was a “mixed bag,” noting that while progress was made, it was not perfect. 

“Progress is not a straight line,” Ellis explained. “I know where you’re headed with this – he was good on some things and not great on others. But that is part of moving forward.”

Francis signaled ‘acceptance’ for LGBTQ+ community

Since becoming pope in 2013, Pope Francis had already signalled a greater acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, calling them “children of God” and therefore, should not be condemned. 

“People with homosexual tendencies are children of God. God loves them, God is with them…If a person with homosexual tendencies is a believer and seeks God, who am I to judge?” he said. 

His statement established a new way of addressing LGBTQ+ issues, moving beyond the traditional liberal-conservative divide.

In 2023, he further improved the relationship of the Catholic Church with the LGBTQ+ by allowing blessings for same-sex couples under specific conditions, provided they are separate from regular Church rituals or civil unions.

The pope said that these blessings are not meant to legitimise irregular relationships but to show that God embraces everyone.

The pope also permitted gay men in Italy to enter priesthood as long as they abstain from sex, marking another milestone for LGBTQ+ inclusivity. 

Acknowledging Pope’s lasting impact on LGBTQ+ community

Although some critics argue that Pope Francis’ papacy did not fundamentally alter the Catholic doctrine – as same-sex marriage remains banned by the Church – many are still grateful to the pontiff for his contribution to the gay community and his warm attitude toward them.

In the interview, Ellis said that it may not be a documental breakthrough within a century-old Catholic Church, but Pope Francis has “said more positively for the LGBTQ+ community than any other priests on record.”

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