Catholicism is a global religion, of course, and it’s changing fast under the leadership of this very bold pontiff. The right-versus-left argument has also been in play, dramatically, as this pope has moved quickly to change the way Christians think about gays, famously saying “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gays in the church. This was one of the first bombshells of his papacy, when he suggested that gays should be “accepted with respect, dignity and compassion,” adding that “every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.”
Last year, his Synod of Bishops on the Family — a conference of leaders brought together to consider family matters and sexuality — leaned too far left for many among the bishops, especially in the first draft of their joint statement. The Pope didn’t give up, however, and will try again this coming year, with many fresh voices among his bishops. And the chances are that fresh teachings will emerge, as Francis clearly wants the church to be more open to gays and friendlier to couples who have been divorced.
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