News and Views

Outreach asked the Holy Father three questions, in Spanish, and received a written response from him, to clarify his comments on the decriminalization of homosexuality.

This represents and immense step forward for LGBTQ people, their families and friends, and will undoubtedly save lives.

We can stand with the crowd who grumbles and issues death threats, or we can stand with Jesus, who sees Zacchaeus, calls to him and who treats him with dignity.

The fact that LGBTQ parishioners were encouraged to create a ministry began to make us feel welcomed. But the true sense of belonging came after I saw so many parishioners attending our events, lectures and activities.

Sebastian can be interpreted as a bound Eros. Pointing at him represents a kind of protest.

“The pope’s meeting with a group of trans people was significant,” noted L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican’s official newspaper.

Perhaps his greatest goodness was stepping aside and resigning his pontificate, a great act of humility.

“I felt he was a very holy man, and he was one of the few cardinals whom I asked for their blessing at the end of the interview,” said Father Reese.

Pope Benedict and I were on different branches, but we were both rooted in the same vine—the vine of Christ.

Queer believers belong to a proud movement that is making the church more Christlike. Our LGBTQ history affirms that we are not, and have never been, alone.