Pope’s Shift on Gay Couples Followed Quiet Talks and Loud Resistance
New York TimesAUG 2023
The Spin
Progressive narrative
During his more than a decade as head of the Church, Pope Francis has not only preached to his congregants about tolerance but also taken concrete action to implement his beliefs into Church teaching. Before this historic move, Francis had previously condemned countries that outlawed homosexuality, as well as allowed transgender people to receive baptism and become godparents. The Pope has taken a stand against anti-LGBTQ+ governments and clergy members across the globe to show that all are welcome in his Church.
Conservative narrative
Pope Francis has not only insulted the Church through his progressive tendencies but also removed some members of the clergy for attempting to defend the actual teachings of Catholicism. Before the Pope officially welcomed gay couples into the Church, he recently fired Bishop Joseph Strickland of Texas for "undermining the deposit of faith." Furthermore, the Vatican never revealed the findings of its investigation into Strickland before revoking his pastoral authority. It seems Francis has abandoned the Church in favor of the LGBTQ+ movement.