Those in the LGBTQ+ community are remembering Pope Francis as one of the most impactful popes in addressing issues important to them.
鈥淣o pope or Catholic leader has done more for the LGBTQ+ community than Pope Francis did,鈥� said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry in Mount Rainier, Maryland.
His group is described as a national Catholic ministry of justice and reconciliation for LGBTQ+ people and the church. It was founded 48 years ago.
In an interview with 海角精品黑料, DeBernardo said Pope Francis wasn鈥檛 just the first pope to use the word 鈥済ay鈥� when addressing the issue, he was the first to urge kindness in considering those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
鈥淗e showed a way out through dialogue, through encounter and through listening that opened up lots of possibilities for the church to grow in its approach to LGBTQ+ issues,鈥� DeBernardo said.
From his early days as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, when he adopted the phrase, 鈥淲ho am I to judge?鈥� in a conversation about affirming gay priests, DeBernardo said Francis鈥� message was always about inclusivity.
DeBernardo met Francis on two separate occasions at the Vatican in 2023 and 2024, and developed a relationship with him, frequently corresponding with him.
鈥淚t was like having tea with your grandpa,鈥� DeBernardo told 海角精品黑料, describing Francis as an affable, down-to-earth, unassuming man, and calling him
鈥淪ince he became pope, more and more LGBTQ+ Catholics have had hope that the church will be a more welcoming place for them,鈥� he said.
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