What he did or didn't say....
From Catholic Online
http://www.catholic.org/hf/faith/story.php?id=51890
(excerpt)
Pope Francis is not authorizing the practice of homosexual activity, which is a behavioral choice exercised by an individual. Much like the choice to engage in premarital sexual behavior, homosexual behavior exists outside of the sanctity of marriage, and is immoral.
Individuals who engage in immoral sexual behavior, both straight and gay, commit mortal sin. Before anyone gets too happy, understand the pope did not pardon or sanction any such behavior.
The Pope did not endorse homosexual marriage, which is fundamentally impossible, forbidden by both Church law and natural law. A marriage between two people of the same sex is simply impossible. His comments should not be interpreted as a backtrack on this line.
The Pope did not endorse the ordination of homosexuals, which the Church still interprets as a mental disorder.
More selected excerpts from Catholic Online:
http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=51888
He affirmed that those who struggle with same sex attraction are to be treated with human dignity and given the respect due to all human persons. There is absolutely nothing new or newsworthy in these comments.
On his return from the historic World Youth Day in RIO de JANEIRO, Pope Francis had an informal conversation with journalists aboard the plane. In the midst of a warm and even humorous dialogue, he expressed the teaching of the Catholic Church - and the Sacred Scripture - concerning mercy and forgiveness. A part of that liberating teaching is that when someone repents of sin, they should not only be forgiven - but their past failure should be forgotten. Of course, that involves any sin, including sexual sin. Yes, even homosexual acts, which are sinful and always morally disordered....
..."Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection." (CCC #2357-2359)
... "As in every moral disorder, homosexual activity prevents one's own fulfillment and happiness by acting contrary to the creative wisdom of God. The Church, in rejecting erroneous opinions regarding homosexuality, does not limit but rather defends personal freedom and dignity realistically and authentically understood."
Again, this moral teaching cannot and will not change. And, to use Pope Francis' term in the interview, groups which lobby, in open defiance of this teaching, undermine the authority of the Church, confuse those who struggle with same sex attraction and scandalize the faithful. Finally, they confuse the public as to what the Catholic Church actually teaches.
They are often pushing what I have called a Homosexual Equivalency Movement - which goes way beyond respecting the human dignity of homosexual persons...
...Homosexual equivalency activists have even persuaded many to say that there is a new civil right for those who engage in homosexual practices and live under the same roof to be married. The "bad guys" in some circles are now those who defend authentic marriage and insist that it is the best foundation for civil society. The "intolerant" are now those who refuse to recognize such new "rights", like the "right to marry" for people who are incapable of fulfilling the ends of marriage.
By the way, that group of intolerant bad guys includes Pope Francis.
= new reply since forum marked as read
