Gay people need '˜more' from Church

Speaking last weekend, Pope Francis said the Roman Catholic Church should apologise to gay people for the way in which they have been treated by the church.

The Pope made the comments to journalists as he returned to the Vatican after visiting Armenia.

“I will repeat what the Catechism of the Church says, that they [homosexuals] should not be discriminated against, that they should be respected, accompanied pastorally.

“I think that the Church not only should apologise to a gay person whom it offended, but it must also apologise to the poor as well; to the women who have been exploited; to children who have been exploited by [being forced to] work. It must apologise for having blessed so many weapons.”

Gavin Boyd, Policy Manager with the Rainbow Project in Derry and Belfast, welcomed the comments but highlighted how the Pope did not actually apologise.

“It is always to be welcomed when a religious leader apologises for the pain, hurt, intimidation and fear inflicted upon the L.G.B.T. community for hundreds of years, but if you read what the Pope said you’ll notice that he didn’t actually apologise,” said Mr. Boyd.

“Even in the context of the Orlando shooting a few weeks ago, the church refused to acknowledge that the attack took place in a gay bar - the Church need to do more,” he added.