Pope Francis Calls on Parents to Support Gay Children

Pope Francis has advised parents against condemning their children for being gay.

The head of the Catholic Church says parents should support children with different sexual orientations, just like they stand by them during difficult times, including illness or accidents.

“Parents who see different sexual orientations in their children and how to handle this, how to accompany their children and not hide behind an attitude of condemnation. Never condemn your children," the Pope said.

The pope, who was speaking at his weekly general audience on Wednesday, added that "God does not promise us we will never have fear. But with his help, it will not be the criteria of our decisions." 

This is not the first time Pope Francis, 85, has expressed support for the LGBTQ persons, who have long been marginalized in many religions, including Catholicism.

In 2020, the clergyman endorsed civil unions for gay couples as an alternative to same-sex marriages.

He said: "Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God. You can't kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this. What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered."

Kenya's Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha came under fire last month after he directed that gay students be banned from boarding schools.

Magoha noted that such students should be restricted to day schools close to their homes.

“Right now, there are contemporary cases of children who are homosexual and lesbians, they must go to day schools close to their homes. Your responsibility should be for the greater majority and not a few individuals. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by children,” said CS Magoha.