Pope Francis has stated that laws criminalizing homosexual behavior and classifying homosexual practices as a death penalty offense are “unfair,” and that the Catholic Church must advocate against such laws. He also emphasized that as children of God, all individuals should be treated with dignity, love, and charity. Despite these statements, the Pope has also reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s teachings that marriage is between a man and a woman and that homosexuality is considered a sin. In 2020, he expressed support for a “civil union law” for same-sex couples, but later clarified that this does not change the Church’s doctrine. The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has also issued a statement affirming the Church’s teachings on marriage, saying that same-sex unions cannot be blessed. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered” and “contrary to natural law.” However, it also calls for those experiencing same-sex attraction to be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity and advises against discrimination.
