As Australia faces an existential crisis surrounding a perceived attack on religious freedom of expression, a voice of reason has spoken from above. Not that far above, but just below, with Pope Francis slamming homophobia, labelling those who deploy hate speech against the LGBTI community as heartless.
The comments will air in the upcoming episode of BBC2 series Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome, which features a number of UK celebrities venturing to the Vatican.
Among the those in attendance was British comedian Stephen K. Amos, an openly gay man. The touching encounter, which left Amos in tears, went like this, according to The Mirror:
“I lost my mother, three months ago I buried my twin sister, who were both very religious.” Amos explained to the Pope. “So me coming on this pilgrimage, being non-religious, I was looking for answers and faith. But as a gay man, I don’t feel accepted.”
Pope Francis, who is known for going against the grain of some traditional catholic tenants by supporting LGBTI acceptance and promoting the role of Women within the church, responded with warmth.
Giving more importance to the adjective [gay] rather than the noun [man], this is not good. We are all human beings and have dignity. It does not matter who you are, or how you live your life – you do not lose your dignity. There are people that prefer to select or discard people because of the adjective. These people don’t have a human heart.”
Following the encounter, Amos said of The Popes comments, “what he said floored me.”
“He gave me faith in humanity. He knows his response to my question… will have ramifications around the world.”
The Pope’s comments are sure to resonate with the Australian public, who are enthralled in the ongoing dispute between Israel Folau and the ARU after his contract was ended following public comments that homosexuals “go to hell.”
Folau launched a crowdfunding campaign to the une of $3 million to fund his legal crusade, before the campaign was ended by GoFundMe for violating their terms and conditions that prevent hate speech.
The battle is far from over. This morning, the Australian Christian Lobby declared its support for Folau, establishing a new website for Folau’s fundraising as well as donating $100,000 to it.
Saner heads are starting to prevail at the Vatican, hopefully the attitude connects Down Under.
