(credit: VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Pope Francis said today, he won’t judge clergy for their sexual orientation, and that he will not judge anyone gay who is searching for the Lord.
“If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Francis said. “We shouldn’t marginalize people for this. They must be integrated into society.”
During an hour long press conference, the Pope also said he believes women should play a greater role in the church.
University of St. Thomas professor Massimo Faggioli found the comments interesting.
“That being gay is not necessarily an obstacle to be a priest … this is remarkable,” Faggioli said.
As far as women becoming priests, Faggioli said that’s not likely, but they could become deacons, which would be a big step forward.
