Share this @internewscast.com

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said in an interview published on Monday that Africans were a “special case” in the opposition of bishops and many other people in the continent to homosexuality.

But he said he was confident that, except for Africans, critics of his decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples would eventually understand it.

Blessings were allowed last month in a document called Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which has caused widespread debate in the Catholic Church, with particularly strong resistance coming from African bishops.

“Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups,” Francis told Italian newspaper La Stampa. “A special case are Africans: for them homosexuality is something ‘bad’ from a cultural point of view, they don’t tolerate it”.

“But in general, I trust that gradually everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it aims to include, not divide,” the pope said.

Last week, Francis appeared to acknowledge the pushback the document received, especially in Africa, where bishops have effectively rejected it and where in some countries same-sex can lead to prison or even the death penalty.

He said that when the blessings are given, priests should “naturally take into account the context, the sensitivities, the places where one lives and the most appropriate ways to do it.”

In the interview with La Stampa, Francis said he was not concerned about the risk of conservatives breaking away from the Catholic Church due to his reforms, saying that talk of a schism is always led by “small groups.”

“We must leave them to it and move on…and look forward,” he said.

Turning to Israel and the Palestinians, he said “true peace” between them will not materialize until a two-state solution is implemented and lamented that their conflict was widening.

Francis confirmed he is scheduled to meet the president of his native Argentina, Javier Milei, on Feb. 11, and that finally visiting the country — where he has not returned since becoming pope in 2013 — is a possibility.

He said his agenda for 2024 currently includes trips to Belgium, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

Speaking about his health, which has taken some knocks in recent years with hospitalizations, mobility problems and cancelled trips or events, the 87-year-old said, “there are some aches and pains but it’s better now, I’m fine.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Yankees voice Dave Sims fires back at Boomer Esiason over games he 'blew off'

Yankees Announcer Dave Sims Responds to Boomer Esiason’s Criticism About Skipping Games

Yankees radio announcer Dave Sims has no regrets about taking time off…
Mother of slain soldier held by Hamas terrorists for 4K days makes plea to Trump

Plea to Trump by Mother of Soldier Held by Hamas for 4,000 Days

It has been 4,000 days since Hadar Goldin, a 23-year-old Israeli soldier…
Wildfire along Grand Canyon's North Rim destroys historic lodge and is spreading rapidly

Historic Lodge Destroyed as Wildfire Rapidly Spreads Along Grand Canyon’s North Rim

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A wildfire that destroyed a historic lodge and…
Elon Musk to hold Tesla investor vote on xAI investment, rules out merger

Elon Musk Plans Tesla Investor Vote on xAI Investment, Rules Out Merger

Elon Musk has dismissed the possibility of merging Tesla with xAI, but…

Concerns for Pastor John MacArthur, 86, as He Faces Life-Threatening Illness; Church Requests Prayers

INFLUENTIAL California Pastor John MacArthur has been hospitalized with a life-threatening illness…
Trump threatens Russia with tariffs if Ukraine war isn't resolved within 50 days

Trump Considers Imposing Tariffs on Russia to Expedite Resolution of Ukraine Conflict

The Republican president made the announcement during an Oval Office meeting with…
Woman in hospital bed holding teddy bear.

Backpacker Rescued After 12 Days in Australian Outback Reveals Dramatic Reason for Abandoning Car

A GERMAN backpacker who spend nearly two weeks lost in the Australian…
Kanye West slams ex-assistant's 'absurd' sexual assault claims

Kanye West Denies Former Assistant’s ‘Outrageous’ Sexual Assault Allegations

Kanye West has responded to the updated lawsuit filed by his former…
NATO jets scrambled amid Russia's largest drone attack on Ukraine

NATO Jets Deploy as Russia Launches Major Drone Strike on Ukraine

NATO jets were scrambled overnight as Russia carried out its largest drone…
Senate GOP Plans Another Bite of the Reconciliation Apple, and Guess Who's Opposed

Senate Republicans Try Again with Reconciliation, but Opposition Arises

The One Big Beautiful Bill has been approved and signed into law…
King Charles III arriving at a lifeboat station.

King Charles to Welcome Donald Trump at Windsor Castle on the Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral

DONALD Trump will be hosted by the King at Windsor Castle on…
Most teens — and girls especially — see college as key to jobs and life skills, AP-NORC poll says

AP-NORC Poll Finds Most Teens, Especially Girls, View College as Crucial for Career and Life Skills Development

PHOENIX (AP) — A recent survey reveals that the majority of American…