Waking up to the news of Pope Francis passing I felt an immediate loss of one of the last compassionate gatekeepers on Earth. The first news I heard from our LGBTQ community was from the UK’s Peter Tatchell Foundation. Tatchell stated, “I extend my condolences to Catholics worldwide on the passing of Pope Francis. While we often disagreed on issues of LGBT+ rights, I acknowledge his more compassionate tone towards sexual minorities. His recent moves to allow blessings for same-sex couples, albeit with limitations, signaled a small but significant shift in Church doctrine.” Then I turned on “Good Morning America” to see a segment with Father James Martin, S.J. the founder of Outreach & the editor at large of America Media who shared his documentary “Building a Bridge” with our global OUTTAKE VOICES™ audience in 2022.
I talked to Martin about his 2019 meeting with Pope Francis in our podcast when he & Pope Francis discussed LGBTQ issues. When Martin asked Pope Francis “Holy Father, is there anything I can do for you?” Pope Francis replied, “Yes, you can continue your ministry—in peace.” Today James Martin, S.J. reflected on Pope Francis’ request stating, “I have tried to do that ever since & will try to continue to do so, now with his prayers. Thank you, Pope Francis, for your kindness to me, for your kindness to our LGBTQ brothers & sisters & for your kindness to millions of people around the world. May you rest in peace with the Father who loved you into being; with Jesus, in whose Society you labored for so long & with the Holy Spirit, whose voice you listened to in the lives of those who prayed for a pope who would finally listen to them.”
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1 comment:
Pope Francis was a transformational leader who included LGBTQ people in historic ways. Having had the honor of meeting with Pope Francis twice, I witnessed first-hand his dedication to make a Church for all, not just some. His principles of empathetic listening, inclusion & compassion are exactly what this divided world needs right now. When Pope Francis spoke out against the act of criminalizing LGBTQ people & when he famously spoke ‘who am I to judge,’ he created an example of unity that faith & civil leaders should follow.
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