On Aug. 6, Pope Francis said that the Catholic Church is open to everyone—including the LGBTQ+ community—and that it has a duty to accompany them on a personal path of spirituality but within the framework of its rules, Reuters reported.
One reporter reminded him that during the trip from the World Youth Day Catholic festival in Portugal, the pontiff said the Church was open to "everyone, everyone, everyone" and asked if it was not incoherent that some, such as women and gay people, did not have the same rights and could not receive some sacraments.
"The Church is open to everyone but there are laws that regulate life inside the church," the pope responded, adding that ministers have to accompany all people—including those not conforming to the rules—with the patience and love of a mother.
The Church does not allow same-sex marriage or even blessings for same-sex couples. However, the pope supports civil legislation that gives same-sex couples rights in areas such as pensions, health insurance and inheritance.
—Andrew Davis
