Pope Francis says homosexuality is not a crime, but it is a sin

Pope Francis is calling for a change in the Catholic Church’s approach to homosexuality, saying that bishops in particular must be welcoming and show respect.

“We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity,” Francis said during an interview at the Vatican.

Homosexuality “is not a crime,” the pope said. He then referred to it being a sin, adding “but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime. It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another”.

Pope Francis said the Catholic Church should work to end laws in place some countries that criminalise homosexuality and discriminate against the community. “It must do this. It must do this,” he said.

He added that bishops in particular should apply “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us”.