29 July 2013
Pope Francis: 'Who Am I to Judge?'
Cultural International
During a press conference aboard the papal plane returning from World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Pope Francis stated: 'If a person is gay and seeks out the Lord and is willing, who am I to judge?' The use of the word 'gay' by a pope was itself considered radical. The statement was widely seen as a significant shift in tone from predecessor Benedict XVI, though Church doctrine on homosexuality remained unchanged.
Impact & Significance
One of the most quoted papal statements in modern history, it signalled a more pastoral tone towards LGBTQ+ Catholics, even as doctrine remained unchanged.
Reference Record
- Date
- 29 July 2013
- Era
- 2010-2019
- Sources
- 1
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Questions This Event Helps Answer
Q When was same-sex marriage legalised in the UK? Same-sex marriage was legalised across the UK in stages, with England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland reaching implementation at different times. Q Which LGBTQ+ public figures changed visibility? They changed visibility in politics, science, activism and literature by showing that queer lives could be public, influential and historic. Q How did LGBTQ+ faith inclusion develop? It developed through LGBTQ+-affirming religious organisations, openly LGBTQ+ clergy, denominational policy changes and contested pastoral shifts.
