"Pope Affirms Inclusive Church: Embracing LGBTQ+ and Women"

Pope Francis reiterated his message that the Catholic Church is open to all, including LGBTQ people and marginalized groups, during a press conference after his trip to Portugal for World Youth Day. He emphasized that everyone is welcome in the church, despite traditionalist protestors interrupting a Mass for LGBTQ pilgrims in Lisbon. The pope also addressed the issue of clergy sexual abuse, stating that progress is being made in the church's response. He defended his decision not to make a direct appeal for peace in Ukraine during his visit to the Marian shrine of Fátima, and expressed the need for the church to change its approach to homilies. The pope is in good health following a hernia operation and has upcoming trips to Mongolia and France.