With his signature letter in Spanish, Francis responds to some of the questions posed by Jesuit Father James Martin, who is involved in LGBT pastoral care.
Vatican News
God’s “style” is “closeness, mercy, and tenderness.” So said Pope Francis in a brief answer to questions posed by Jesuit Father James Martin, who carries out his mission among homosexuals.
On May 5, the devout wrote to the Pope a letter in Spanish, asking him if he would be willing to answer some of the questions usually asked by gay Catholics. A few days later, he received a handwritten note in Spanish with his answers. The result was a mini interview published today On the awareness site.webpage created by the Jesuits.
About your questions – Pope wrote – “I can think of a very simple answer.”
What is the most important thing homosexuals need to know about God?
God is a father and does not deny any of his children. And God’s “style” is “closeness, mercy, and tenderness.” Along this path you will find God.
What do you want gays to know about the church?
I want them to read the Acts of the Apostles. There they will find the picture of the living church.
What do you say to gay Catholics who have experienced rejection by the church?
I would like them to realize that it is not a “rejection of the Church,” but as a “rejection of the Church.” The Church is a mother and calls all her children together. Take, for example, the parable of the banquet guests: “the righteous, the sinners, the rich and the poor, etc.” (Matthew 22: 1-15; Luke 14: 15-24). The “eclectic”, “pure-blooded” church is not the Holy Mother Church, but a sect.
Also in July of last year, Pope Francis sent Father Martin a letter signed in Spanish, on the occasion of the ‘Outreach 2021’ webinar, stating that God is “closer to love for each of his children, for all and for each one of them.. His heart is open to each one.” .. is the father.
“Reflecting on your pastoral work – the pontiff wrote to Father Martin – I see that you are constantly trying to imitate this style of God. You are a priest to all, because God is the Father of all. I pray you to continue in this way, to be close, kind and with much tenderness.”
“I pray for the faithful, “your subjects” – concluded the Pope – all whom the Lord has placed by your side to take care of, protect and grow in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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