Vatican Condemns Gender Change and LGBTQ Legislation

The head of the Vatican's doctrine office, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, stated the Vatican's opposition to laws criminalizing same-sex acts, calling them "a big problem" and expressing pain at seeing some Catholics support such legislation. Pope Francis has also spoken out against laws criminalizing LGBTQ people, calling them a sin and an injustice. Under Francis, the Catholic Church has become more welcoming towards LGBTQ people, with the issuance of a landmark document allowing the blessing of same-sex couples in December.