Pope Francis on Sunday said
people shouldn't judge others and wrote to an American priest
who ministers to the gay community saying God's heart is open to
all.
The pope did not directly remark that he was speaking on Gay
Pride day or overtly refer to the Vatican's recent diplomatic
protest against an Italian homophobia bill is says curbs
Catholics' freedom of expression.
But, speaking at Sunday Angelus, he said "let's stop judging
others, Jesus asks of us a gaze not judging but welcoming, let
us open our hearts to welcome others because only love renews
life".
Later Sunday Vatican News published a letter Francis wrote to
Jesuit priest James Martin saying "(God) approaches with love
each of his children, all of them, every one of them. His heart
is open to all and everyone. He is the Father".
New York-based Martin ministers to the LGBTI community and has
written several books about gay Catholics.
The Vatican last week took an unusual diplomatic step in sending
a 'verbal note' saying the 'Zan' homophobia bill may flout the
Concordat between Italy and the Holy See and could limit freedom
of expression, a view shared by conservative Catholic
politicians in Italy.
The charge is denied by the bill's sponsor, gay activist and
centre-left Democratic Party (PD) MP Alessandro Zan, who says
priests and the faithful may still say they find homosexuality
sinful without being punished.
In its note, the Vatican asked parliament to "remodulate" the
bill, a request quickly endorsed by the bill's biggest
parliamentary opponent, rightwing nationalist League leader
Matteo Salvini.
In 2013 Pope Francis gained headlines by saying "who am I to
judge?" when asked about gays.
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