Pope Francis called the laws criminalizing LGBT+ people unjust and called on bishops to be gentle with each person.
"Being homosexual is not a crime," Francis said in an interview with the Associated Press agency. He cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church, reminding that gays should be accepted and respected, they should not be marginalized and discriminated against.
According to the estimates of the human rights organization The Human Dignity Trust, more than 60 countries of the world criminalize homosexual relations, in 11 of them same-sex sex is punishable by death. In many countries, including Russia, homosexuality is not criminalized, but existing laws contribute to persecution, stigmatization and violence against LGBT+ people.
Calling such laws unjust, Francis said the Catholic Church can and should work to end them.
"She has to do it," he stressed. The pope added that bishops who support such laws must "go through a process of conversion" and show tenderness - "as God treats each of us."
At the same time, Francis noted that although being a homosexual is not a crime, it is a sin. In a conversation with AP reporters, he suggested "first distinguish between sin and crime" and reminded that lack of mercy towards one another is also a sin.
The Catholic Church does not recognize same-sex marriage "because God cannot bless sin," according to a 2021 Vatican decree.
Earlier, the Church of England apologized to LGBT+ Christians for refusing same-sex couples to marry in their churches.