"Pope Francis appears to reject the idea that homosexuals are called to chastity"

"Pope Francis has again indicated an openness to homosexual activity, as he has refused to affirm the Catholic teaching on chastity and celibacy for homosexuals.

Full details of the pontiff’s recent conversation with Portuguese Jesuits were released August 28. They include Pope Francis’s thoughts on homosexuality, condemnation of a 'reactionary' attitude amongst American Catholics, criticism of 'indietrists' and 'clericalism,' and praise of the Synod on Synodality,

As part of his customary activities while on foreign trips, Pope Francis met with Jesuits from the Portuguese province while in Lisbon for World Youth Day at the start of August. The full transcript has been released by Jesuit-run La Civilta Cattolica in Italian, English and Spanish.

As often is the case in such meetings, Pope Francis fielded questions on topics pertaining to Catholic morality and doctrine, refusing on this occasion to issue a clear answer on the topic of homosexuality. One Jesuit referenced his own work with university students, who are 'very committed to the Church, to the center, very friendly with the Jesuits, and who identify as homosexuals.'

The priest stated that such students 'feel that they are an active part of the Church, but they often do not see in doctrine their way of living affectivity, and they do not see the call to chastity as a personal call to celibacy, but rather as an imposition.' He queried whether the practice of homosexual activity in this instance would be wrong:

Since they are virtuous in other areas of their lives, and know the doctrine, can we say that they are all in error, because they do not feel, in conscience, that their relationships are sinful? And how can we act pastorally so that these people feel, in their way of life, called by God to a healthy affective life that produces fruit? Should we recognize that their relationships can open up and give seeds of true Christian love, such as the good they can accomplish, the response they can give to the Lord?

Pope Francis refused to directly answer that such activity would be sinful, instead stating that 'I believe there is no discussion about the call being addressed to everyone. Jesus is very clear about this: everyone.'

'In other words, the door is open to everyone, everyone has their own space in the Church,' he continued. 'How will each person live it out? We help people live so that they can occupy that place with maturity, and this applies to all kinds of people.'

The Argentinian pontiff criticized what he referred to as examining the 'sins below the waist,' or 'sin of the flesh' with a 'magnifying glass.'

Instead, he appeared to downplay the universal call to practice chastity, arguing that 'the most appropriate pastoral attitude for each person must be applied.'

We must not be superficial and naive, forcing people into things and behaviors for which they are not yet mature, or are not capable. It takes a lot of sensitivity and creativity to accompany people spiritually and pastorally. But everyone, everyone, everyone is called to live in the Church: never forget that.

The Pope also referenced his own regular meetings with so-called transgender individuals at his weekly audiences in the Vatican, revealing that he is in regular email contact with them. 'I realized that these people feel rejected, and it is really hard,' he stated."