Pope says he's worried about homosexuality in the priesthood

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Pope says he’s worried about homosexuality in the priesthood

December 1, 2018

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has been quoted in a soon-to-be published book as saying that having gays in the clergy “is something that worries me” and remarking that some societies are considering homosexuality a “fashionable” lifestyle.

Italian daily Corriere della Sera’s website Saturday ran excerpts of the book in the form of an interview that Francis gave about religious vocations. Francis was quoted as describing homosexuality within the walls of seminaries, convents and other religious places where clergy live as “a very serious question.”

“In our societies, it even seems homosexuality is fashionable. And this mentality, in some way, also influences the life of the church,” Francis was quoted as telling his interviewer, a Spanish-born missionary priest, Fernando Prado.

The book, based on four hours of conversations the two had in August at the Vatican, will be published in 10 languages next week. Its Spanish title is “La Fuerza de la vocacion,” (“The Strength of Vocation”).

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/420b7a6215874971bff9c98577b6c5c5

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. This makes it clear that Francis hasn't a clue about

what homosexuality actually is. And that he seems completely oblivious to the history of it in the Catholic Church.

[WhiteTara]

2. he should be concerned about pedophilia!

[violetpastille]

3. +1

More feet washing and less ignorant yapping!

[bitterross]

6. Given his statements, he may beleive the two things are related.

It isn't "fashionable." It's an orientation. One does not take it on and off like clothing. His lack of understand makes me wonder if, perhaps, he believes the pedophilia problem is related to being gay. I'm not sure how else to take the statement about it influencing the life of the church but think he means it influences the life of the church in a negative way. Why else would it be a concern if he didn't perceive it negatively?

[marylandblue]

9. The two are related, at least the way the Catholic Church does it.

I am sure there are plenty of homosexuals hiding in the church, and the church knows it. Just like they knew about the abusers and let them hide too. But as long they have all these secret "sinners," they have a lot of people covering for each other, including the abusers. The only way for the church to save itself is to change it's attitude towards sex. As long as it doesn't, the homosexuals and the abusers will provide cover for each other.

[kimbutgar]

4. The two boys I knew growing up who entered the priesthood both ended up leaving because they

Were gay. My parents had a priest friend who used to joke that the catholic priesthood was filled with closeted gay men. Most were from Irish Catholic families who’s families would be shamed if they came out as gay.

[MineralMan]

5. I couldn't be less concerned about what priests get up to with other adult priests

in the privacy of their quarters. I'm concerned about pedophiles going after children. The two things are not related. Il Papa seems to be confused on that matter.

The real problem is the patriarchal hierarchy that imposes unnatural restrictions on sexuality among its clergy. The solution is to end the patriarchy and to provide a broad spectrum of oversight into the lives of the clergy. There's something terribly wrong with the current environment within the RCC. Terribly wrong.

[pamdb]

7. Pope

Seems there’s other things to be concerned about in the Catholic Church.

[Lordquinton]

8. Being gay is something they will actually kick you out for

but raping children? They will go to great lengths to protect you.

"Oh, but it's about the relationship, and having sex which is forbidden, it's actually progressive and treating them like straights!"

If that were true then why aren't they kicking out the priests that had sex with kids?

[Cuthbert Allgood]

10. Waiting for all the people here that think he is a breath of fresh air and a liberal.

Because plenty of others pointed out that wasn't the case. Would love to see some defense of this position.