Amid LGBTQ frictions in Christian faiths, the Pope warns against 'basking in some elegant religious theory' instead of loving the poor

Sun, 01/07/2024 - 17:03

Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he recites the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on January 7, 2024. — Pope Francis delivers his blessing from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on January 7, 2024.
Andrew Medichini/AP

Pope Francis told Catholics to prioritize seeking God in the faces of the poor over "ideologies."
He recently approved blessings for gay and lesbian couples, eliciting some accusations of heresy.
He highlighted the need to make sure faith is not "reduced to an assemblage of religious devotions."

While several Christian denominations face divisions regarding LGBTQ acceptance, Pope Francis wants Catholics to prioritize caring about the poor more than caring about stiff ideologies.