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March 13, 2013
New Pope: Francis believes gay adoption is child abuse

Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen by the conclave of cardinals as the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church

Pope Francis was elected as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church today (13 March).

Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, was chosen by the conclave of 115 cardinals as a successor to Benedict XVI.

Tens of thousands of faithful Catholics broke into cheers as the white smoke indicated the new pontiff had obtained the required two thirds majority, which happened in the fifth round of voting over two days.

Francis is still a conservative choice, but has taught the ‘importance of respecting gay individuals’.

March 8, 2013
Pope Idol: The top 7 and their stance on gay rights

As the cardinals start to gather for the conclave to elect the next pope, we give a run-down of the top popefuls and find a bleak picture on LGBT issues

As the red-robed cardinals gather in their conclave to choose the next pope, it is clear homosexuality will be a key issue facing the future head of the Catholic church.

Pope Benedict XVI’s reign was marked not just by the biggest child sex abuse scandal in the history of the world but also by increasing challenges to the church’s traditional stance on LGBT issues.

Benedict opposed homosexuality and gay marriage, and in January 2013 stated:

February 28, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI officially resigns

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who called gay people a 'defection of human nature', bids farewell

Pope Benedict XVI, who has spent the majority of his career attacking gay people, is to officially resign today (28 February).

He has left the Vatican for the final time as leader of the Catholic Church, where he will spend two months in Castel Gandolfo – the Pope’s summer residence.

In his final farewell, he said: ‘With all my heart and love and my prayers, I would like to work for the good of the Church and humanity.

‘I feel your support. Let's go on together for the Church and the good of the world.’

February 27, 2013
Pope appoints anti-gay temporary successor to Cardinal Keith O’Brien

Benedict XVI appoints Archbishop of Glasgow Philip Tartaglia to the position, who has previously connected premature deaths to homosexuality

Pope Benedict XVI has appointed a temporary successor to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh.

Archbishop of Glasgow Reverend Philip Tartaglia will govern the vacant diocese until a permanent appointment is made.

It follows Cardinal Keith O’Brien, who has previously compared gay marriage to slavery, resigned after allegations he initiated inappropriate acts with his male priests.

February 25, 2013
Anti-gay Cardinal Keith O’Brien quits after claims over ‘acts’ with priests

Leading opponent of same-sex marriage in Scotland, Keith O’Brien has resigned after claims he initiated ‘inappropriate behavior’ with priests

Britian’s most senior Catholic and a leading opponent of gay and lesbian marriage, Keith O’Brien, has quit after claims he initiated ‘inappropriate acts’ with his priests.

The Vatican is going to investigate the claims.

Four priests, one who has now left the church, have accused the archbishop of ‘inappropriate behavior’ over 30 years.

February 14, 2013
A sign from God: It's time for a gay-friendly Pope

The bolt of lightning that hit St Peter’s Basilica means it’s time to rid ourselves of a Pope who thinks gays are ‘evil’ and create an inclusive church

Just hours after Pope Benedict XVI announced his unexpected resignation, a bolt of lightning struck St Peter’s Basilica.

Many say it's unequivocally a sign from God.

If so, I'm hoping it's an Amen moment signaling the end of an oppressive era of LGBTQ bashing as the church now moves forward.

February 11, 2013
Gay groups react to resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

After the Pope's resignation, LGBT activists in Italy and across the world are split on the future of the Roman Catholic Church

Gay groups in Italy and across the world have reacted to Pope Benedict XVI's shock resignation today (11 February).

On 28 February, the Roman Catholic leader will leave his post and the Vatican will decide on his successor.

'After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry,' Benedict said.

February 11, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI to resign this month

Pope Benedict, who has referred to gay people as a 'defection of human nature', is to resign this month due to ill health

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign, the Vatican has announced today (11 February).

The 85-year-old Roman Catholic leader who has called gay people a 'defection of human nature' and a threat to world peace will leave his post on 28 February.

The Vatican has said the post of Pope will be left temporarily vacant.

February 11, 2013
Sinéad O'Connor congratulates Pope on quitting

Pope Benedict XVI's announcement that he is to resign at the end of this month has earned him Sinéad O'Connor as a fan

Out bisexual Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor posted a short note on her website congratulating the Pontiff’s decision to stand down from office on 28 of February.

She stated: ‘I would like to congratulate Pope Benedict on his wise decision to retire before the very worst of what has been going on is discovered.

‘I appreciate his alluding to some of it in his statement and assure him The Most High forgives those who can faithfully say they did wrong.

November 3, 2012
British theologian claims US university disinvited her due to LGBT views

Theologian Tina Beattie charges  University of San Diego blocked appointment due to her gay marriage views

British theologian Tina Beattie is is  charging a fellowship at the University of San Diego was rescinded because of her views on gay marriage.

Beattie, a professor of theology and religious studies at Roehampton University, was to be a fellow at the California's school Frances G. Harpst Center of Catholic Thought and Culture. However, university president Mary Lyons sent a letter to the professor taking the offer away.