Victim’s advocate and survivor of clergy sexual assault When a group of abuse survivors were invited to the Vatican in 2018, Juan Carlos Cruz first encountered Pope Francis.
Being homosexual is not a crime, according to Pope Francis, according to an openly gay advisor to the Vatican.
Juan Carlos Cruz, a well-known Chilean activist and victim of clergy sexual abuse, told NPR that the pope’s comments contributed to a “amazing day.”
Francis told the Associated Press in his first interview since the passing of former Pope Benedict XVI that laws criminalizing homosexuality are “unjust” and that Catholic bishops should show “tenderness” and work to reduce discrimination by embracing LGBTQ individuals in the church.
The pope’s moral leadership will enable civil authorities, bishops, and cardinals to “change their heart” and join the pontiff in speaking out, Cruz said on Tuesday in an interview with Morning Edition’s Leila Fadel. Anti-sodomy laws are “horrifying” in dozens of nations, including some that have the death penalty.
Cruz said, “The pope emphasizes that the LGBTQ community is not evil and unlawful.”
Cruz disagrees with Catholic doctrine and is a member of the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Cruz calls the pope’s apparent attempts to change the church’s relationship with the LGBTQ community disgraceful, despite his support for the church’s assertion that homosexuality is “sin.”
On how the Pope’s words would affect the criminalization of LGBTQ people
His declaration, which was unprecedented for a pope in history, has made for an amazing day. He’s made some really good, sincere steps, which I really appreciate. There are laws that prohibit it at a time when the LGBT community needs it most because it is under attack and condemnation everywhere in the world.
This individual is capable of change, and he has admitted openly when he has erred. And I respect him for it. In terms of combating abuse in the church, there is obviously still more work to be done. By no means are we finished.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Pope Francis did it. He is a man who is approachable and upholds human decency to the highest levels. He holds the LGBT community close to his heart. If I didn’t know it, I wouldn’t say it. I’m quite glad that I can say with certainty that this is true.
On how Cruz has seen Pope Francis’ view change over the last decade
The difference between the pope I know and saw in 2017 and the pope I met after a few encounters in 2018 is 180 degrees. It’s unexpected. It’s common knowledge that older individuals are difficult to persuade to change their minds or behavior.
This individual is capable of change, and he has admitted openly when he has erred. And I respect him for it. In terms of combating abuse in the church, there is obviously still more work to be done. By no means are we finished.
On the Pope’s initiative to shift the church’s relationship with the LGBTQ community
The pope emphasizes that members of the LGBTQ community are not sinners or criminals. He also asserts that injuring a neighbor is unquestionably both. It is the cornerstone of Catholic doctrine. And he changes the phrase, as you stated, Leila, but he emphasizes how crucial it is to recognize that it is more wicked to have animosity toward a neighbor, to be unkind to others, or to commit crimes against the LGBT community.