Pope Francis said Jan. 26 that parents should support, not condemn, gay children, CBS News reported.
In speaking about how parents should always stand by their children during difficult times, including illness or accidents, the pope said parents should also accompany "children with different sexual orientations."
The pope shared this message during his general audience address, during which he said "God does not promise us we will never have fear. But with his help, it will not be the criteria of our decisions." Prayer, he said, will bring light and peace, and he gave that advice to parents going through "sorrow."
In 2020, he endorsed civil unions for the first time as pontiff while being interviewed for the documentary Francesco. However, he stopped short of backing same-sex marriage.
Recently, he also showed support for Sister Jeannine Gramick, S.L, a nun who has advocated for LGBTQ people for decades.