The cruelty, exclusion, and gay bashing are abominable, on a par with fascism and slavery. People can be beasts, but even the animals aren't that cruel. Yes, it is horrible, and it hurts.
I wish the Pope could come out and defy the Church on core doctrine, but this human institution was not founded on the spirit of inclusion that Jesus, St. Francis, and Pope Francis represent. The pope cannot challenge doctrine and still be a Catholic. However, however, I think we do see his true feelings when he says, of LGBTs, "who am I to judge?" I took that as code. It fits all the non-doctrinal statements of love and inclusion that he has been allowed to make. I am sure that he abhors judgmentalism, as he should.
Bernie, of course, is taken by the Pope's championing of the poor and the environment and his condemnation of greed. Bernie, like me, doesn't hold church doctrine against the pope. I think we both sense that he does not personally condemn LGBTs.
Doesn't take the pain away, I know. But as we both know, times are changing, people are opening their eyes and hearts to the humanity of those who once were considered "different."
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