Sep 30, 2019

Pope Francis meets with Jesuit criticized for LGBTQ outreach

Jacob Knutson

Pope Francis on Monday privately met with American Jesuit Rev. James Martin, who has been criticized by conservative U.S. Catholics for advocating for members of the LGBT community, according to the Associated Press.

Why it matters: While most of the pope's private meetings are kept confidential, the Vatican noted the conference with the Martin on a list of the pope’s daily activities.

The big picture: Martin, who authored “Building a Bridge,” a book arguing that the LGBT community feels unwelcome in the church and that the church should reach out to members of LGBT community, has in the past been disinvited to Catholic seminaries because of his advocacy.

Between the lines: "Official church teaching calls for gay men and lesbians to be respected and loved, but considers homosexual activity 'intrinsically disordered,'" per the AP.

Flashback: Francis in 2013 told reporters that if "someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”

Go deeper: Pope Francis denounces countries that sell weapons but deny refugees

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Pope Francis meets with Jesuit criticized for LGBTQ outreach

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