In May of this year, Pope Francis emphasised that God “does not disown any of his children”, in a brief letter addressing a new website for LGBTQ+ Catholics. This is not the Pontiff’s first statement of acceptance towards the LGBTQ+ community, yet his words continually fail to produce actual resistance and reform against intolerant Catholic orthodoxy.

DISPARITY AND UNCERTAINTY

In a 2019 interview more than years earlier, Pope Francis became the first pontiff to endorse same-sex civil unions. Such a departure from traditional Catholic orthodoxy saw great promise for the rights of LGBTQ+ people being recognised within the Church. However, the Vatican later clarified the Pope’s comments, stating that Pope Francis’ opinion on civil union laws was largely taken out of context and did not actually mean a change in the Church's views regarding support for same-sex marriage; a statement which the Pope never challenged. Such disparity between the Pope’s remarks and the views of the Vatican calls into question whether Pope Francis holds a genuine desire to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people under the Catholic Church, or if he is simply playing hide and seek on this issue.

OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOKS

People generally fall into two camps surrounding the Pope’s propitious statements about the LGBTQ+ community. For some, there is a general sentiment that the Pontiff’s words mark a positive shift in tone, which they believe has the power to create impactful change. By showing even a small willingness to converse on LGBTQ+ issues, it is hoped that the Pontiff’s words will welcome new opportunities for the Catholic Church to foster dialogue with LGBTQ+ communities and further their growing relations. Reverend Dr. Nancy Wilson, retired global leader for the Metropolitan Community Churches, argues in defence of the Pontiff, believing that “every generous, even if ambiguous hint of openness from Pope Francis is encouraging.”.

A NEED FOR AUTHORITY

For others, an opportunity for dialogue is simply not enough. As LGBTQ+ people around the world die at the hands of religious zealotry, the Pope is needed to act as a stern voice of authority, condemning the persecution of LGBTQ+ communities with unwavering clarity. Although the Holy See has already released several statements opposing violence, discrimination, and criminal penalties against LGBTQ+ minorities, not all Church leaders have acted in accordance with the message of upholding respect and dignity for the LGBTQ+ community. Without clear and uncompromising Papal leadership on these issues, there remains room for members of the Church to continue legitimising violence against LGBTQ+ people through only focusing on traditional Catholic doctrine. 

The Pope has great power in moderating the tone of Church leaders on gender and sexuality, by using encyclicals. Put simply, an encyclical is an authoritative document in which theological debates can be either moderated or laid to rest altogether. Whilst this does not constitute a change in Catholic doctrine, it is an exercise of authority whereby Supreme Pontiffs reserve the right to express an opinion on a controversial matter. Such matters can no longer be considered a question of free discussion among those who are in fellowship with the Holy See. Many pressing social issues have been discussed by the Pontiff within his three existing encyclicals. Topics have included the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, human trafficking, and border conflicts, to name a few. Yet, the pontiff has failed to explicitly mention the LGBTQ+ community. 

By hiding behind trivial statements of support, Pope Francis continues to evade his responsibility of unifying the Catholic Church; and bringing an end to the discrimination and persecution of LGBTQ+ people. 

Caitlin is a philosophy and German undergraduate at the University of Edinburgh. She has postgraduate aspirations to study law, and is about to begin an internship as a human rights researcher at the Nuremberg Human Rights Centre.