Pope Francis and walking back on Gay Rights

In the past few months, much to my dismay, we have seen some disheartening news come from the Vatican in relation to the LGBT community. As many around the world cheered the historic constitutional amendment in Ireland, which was the first time same-sex marriage had been approved by popular vote, the Vatican instead responded with harsh criticism. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, had this to say, “I was deeply saddened by the result. The church must take account of this reality, but in the sense that it must strengthen its commitment to evangelization. I think that you cannot talk of a defeat for Christian principles, but of a defeat for humanity.” 

Such poignant words were no doubt meant to turn the tides of acceptance not only in Ireland but around the world. Furthermore, these comments seem a long way from Pope Francis’, “Who am I to judge?” remarks back in 2013. The hope of much needed reform on LGBT acceptance in the Vatican under the "progressive" leadership of Pope Francis, seems to be distant memory now. In fact, back in January while speaking to a conservative audience, Pope Francis warned that the “family is threatened by growing efforts on the part of some to redefine the very institution of marriage... These realities are increasingly under attack from powerful forces, which threaten to disfigure God’s plan for creation.” Forgive me, Pope Francis, but where is the threat? While I am asking you questions, I would also like to ask you why you have stalled the confirmation of French Ambassador Laurent Stefanini, Is it personal bigotry that pushed you to deny the confirmation of a man completely qualified for the position? Why is it that even in the face of personal pleas from countless Cardinals and others you have still shunned and embarrassed Stefanini before the whole world? The only way to combat such bigotry is to bring it to the light. We must not allow the Pope and others to continue to orchestrate a system of discrimination behind a curtain of secrecy. 

After initially appearing to be friendly to the LGBT community, Pope Francis now refers to same-sex marriage as “disfigured.” 

Laurent Stefanini, appointed French Ambassador to the Vatican in January 2015 but was personally rejected by Pope Francis as Stefanini is openly gay. According to the French newspaper, Le Journal du Dimanche,  Stefanini's rejection has "poisoned relations between France and the Vatican.