We Asked The Maltese Church What It Thinks Of The Pope’s Advice For Parents Of Gay Children To Seek Psychiatric Help
The Maltese Curia has reacted to Pope Francis’ recommendation that parents of children who show “gay or lesbian tendencies” seek psychiatric help. The Pope was returning to Rome after a visit in Ireland when he was asked for a comment from a journalist on what he would say to parents whose children beginning showing homosexual traits.
“When it shows itself from childhood, there is a lot that can be done through psychiatry, to see how things are,” he had said in his answer. “It is something else if it shows itself after 20 years.” He also said it was an “error” for parents to ignore any signs their children may beginning showing.
However, his comments have since then come under fire from people interpreting the Pope’s recommendation as a hint at conversion therapy. Now, the Maltese Curia has shed some more light on the comments, saying His Holiness was rather referring to “age-appropriate counselling”.
Following the statement, the Vatican made moves to minimise the comment by removing the phrase from their official account of the trip. They said that the Pope was not trying to compare homosexuality to a mental illness after he received backlash for his advice.
The Maltese Curia expanded upon Pope Francis’ off-the-cuff comments
Speaking to Lovin Malta, a representative of the Curia expressed support for the Pope’s sentiments.
“In his comments, the Pope invited parents to pray and never to condemn, to dialogue, to understand and to make space for sons and daughters with homosexual tendencies. The Pope asked at what age does this concern (“inquietudine”) of the son express itself.”
“We are of the understanding that his reference to psychiatry was a recommendation for children with homosexual tendencies to benefit from age-appropriate counselling during that important time in their lives.”
“As Pope Francis clearly said, to ignore a son or daughter with homosexual tendencies is a lack of paternity and maternity. The Pope also stated: ‘You are my son or daughter, as you are, I’m your father/mother, let’s talk’.”
“The Catholic Church, irrespective of whether it is in Malta or not, teaches that men and women with homosexual tendencies must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity.”
What do you think of the Pope’s comments and the Curia’s reaction? Let us know in the comments below
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