Entries by Robert Shine, Managing Editor

What Lasting Impact Will Pope Francis’ Condemnation of Criminalization Laws Have?

Pope Francis has made headlines twice in as many weeks over his public denouncement of laws that criminalize LGBTQ+ people, including at the end of an apostolic visit to two African nations. But what impact will the pope’s insistence that “being homosexual is not a crime” have in regions with criminalization laws and in the wider church?

Pope Francis Denounces Criminalization Laws, Saying “Being Homosexual Is Not a Crime”

Pope Francis has denounced laws that criminalize LGBTQ+ people, saying “being homosexual is not a crime” and that bishops needed to undergo “a process of conversion” to be more affirming.

German Diocese Issues Remarkably LGBTQ-Positive Guidelines for Sex Education

A German diocese has released new guidelines on sex education that are remarkably LGBTQ-positive, including an appreciation of diverse sexual identities and an opening blessing same-gender couples.

“The Atmosphere Has Changed”: Belgium’s Bishops Discuss Queer Blessings at Vatican

In a few months, as the world marks the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ election, there are certain to be many commentaries about what has and has not changed in the church this pontificate. For LGBTQ+ advocates, however, an indication of just how much progress has been attained happened late last year—and offers a prompt to keep pursuing equality in 2023.