“I am extremely encouraged by statements made by Pope Francis about the Catholic Church’s relationship with women and LGBT people. Pope Francis has shown great courage by breaking with archaic attitudes that completely exclude women and harshly condemn LGBT people. While there is still much progress to be made, including granting women equal footing in the Church and recognizing all people’s right to marry, Pope Francis has presented the opportunity for a historic new level of openness in the Church. Equality and dignity are fundamental human qualities, and the Pope has powerfully reinforced this message to the world. I hope other leaders will follow the Pope’s lead and ask themselves, as he did, “who am I to judge?”

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