Pope Francis Reportedly Told Gay Man: 'God Made You Like This'

Pope Francis is making headlines for reportedly telling a gay man that God made him the way he is and that there is nothing wrong with it.

According to CNN, Juan Carlos Cruz, a gay man who is a survivor of sexual abuse, had the opportunity to meet with the Pope last month. During their meeting, Cruz talked with the Pope about the abuse he suffered at the hands of a Chilean priest.

Cruz said that the Pope told him regarding his identity as a gay man, "You know Juan Carlos, that does not matter. God made you like this. God loves you like this. The Pope loves you like this and you should love yourself and not worry about what people say."

This is not the first time the Pope has garnered attention for more lenient views on current issues and controversies in the Church. It also marks a departure from the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church on homosexuality, which is that it is contrary to God’s plan.

The Vatican has not officially confirmed or denied the Pope’s comments to Cruz. Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told CNN: "We do not normally comment on the Pope's private conversations."

The priest who abused Cruz was found guilty of this crime back in 2011.

Photo courtesy: Flickr.com

Publication date: May 22, 2018