Pope presides over solemn Way of the Cross prayer as Portugal government weighs in on LGBTQ+ protest

39

Pope Francis led a meditation on violence, poverty, and intolerance during World Youth Day, where around 800,000 people participated. The event took place at Lisbon’s Eduardo VII park and featured the solemn Way of the Cross prayer, a significant part of the youth festival initiated by St. John Paul II in the 1980s to inspire young Catholics. Despite the enthusiasm of the crowd, Pope Francis urged them to reflect on their own sufferings and fears, emphasizing the importance of love and its worthiness as a risk.

However, the prayer occurred amidst an incident of intolerance directed at LGBTQ+ pilgrims attending World Youth Day. About 10 people attempted to disrupt a Mass for LGBTQ+ Catholics at a Lisbon church, but the police intervened, leading the protesters away. The Portuguese Socialist government responded by issuing a statement calling for respect for the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting the stigmatization and violence they face based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Portugal’s center-left government has been an advocate for minority rights and liberal issues, legalizing abortion, gay marriage, and euthanasia in the predominantly Catholic country. Pope Francis, known for his inclusive stance, has welcomed LGBTQ+ Catholics, stating that the church has room for everyone. Despite these efforts, LGBTQ+ individuals still face challenges, as exemplified by the liturgical protest at the Mass.

Dignity USA, a group of LGBTQ+ Catholics, reported a mostly positive reception in Lisbon, with some moments of tension. A transgender participant in the Mass, Victoria, expressed the importance of allowing everyone to practice their faith and have a relationship with God, regardless of their sexuality. The incident at the Mass serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ Catholics. However, Francis has consistently shown a message of welcome to the LGBTQ+ community and has emphasized their status as children of God. The hope for inclusivity and acceptance remains a key focus in the context of World Youth Day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Inclusivity

More about Inclusivity

• “World Youth Day” (Wikipedia) – Link
• “Pope Francis” (Vatican News) – Link
• “Portugal’s Center-Left Government and Its Policies” (Euronews) – Link
• “LGBTQ+ Rights in Portugal” (ILGA Europe) – Link