Evangelical Leader Accuses Pope of Creating 'Division' With LGBTQ+ Views

Prominent Evangelical leader Franklin Graham has put Pope Francis on blast over his LGBTQ+ inclusivity efforts.

The accusation comes amid recent discussion in the Catholic church regarding the LGBTQ+ community. Last week, Pope Francis approved a ruling at the Vatican that permitted priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples. In November, the pope said in a Vatican document that transgender people can be baptized, serve as godparents and be witnesses at church weddings. The Vatican document didn't change church policy, but it was yet another step Pope Francis has taken in regard to encouraging LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the Catholic church.

Although the ruling was adamant that the church was not approving same-sex marriage, Graham criticized the effort, saying it created "division" in a Newsmax interview on Saturday.

"I think there are millions of Catholics that believe what I believe," he said. "I think what the pope has done is brought a lot of division into the Catholic church, and I don't think the church wants that or needs that."

Graham, who himself has faced criticism regarding his religious practice and conservative efforts, is the president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse, an evangelical humanitarian aid organization. In early 2021, more than 16,000 people signed a Christian-organized petition calling for Graham to be fired after he endorsed President Donald Trump's conspiracy theories that the election was "rigged or stolen."

Newsweek reached out to the Vatican by email for comment.

Graham accused the pope of "trying to hold out an olive branch" to the LGBTQ community.

"I want them [the LGBTQ+ community] to know that listen, I love you enough to tell you the truth ... what you're doing is sin," Graham said.

Earlier in the interview, Graham said blessing a same-sex couple has "no meaning whatsoever".

"The pope, his ruling was very confusing," Graham said. "I've looked at it several times. I think he's trying to have his cake and eat it, too, and it just doesn't work that way."

Graham shared the interview on X, formerly Twitter, and the post received mixed reactions. Several self-identified Catholics condemned the pope's actions in the comments, whereas others told Graham to stop spreading "hate".

The pope, who has been in the leadership position for over 10 years, has faced criticism regarding his inclusive outlook. Most recently, critics have condemned the pope as a "dictator" after the pope removed Bishop Joseph Strickland from his position in Tyler, Texas. Strickland has publicly scrutinized Pope Francis for his attempt to change the Church's position on social issues, such as transgender rights and same-sex marriage.

Other people praised the pope's recent ruling, such as author and Democratic presidential primary candidate Marianne Williamson, pastor and author Dr. Kevin M. Young, and actor Mia Farrow.

However, some Catholic organizations continue to push back against Pope Francis' inclusivity efforts.

In September, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland instituted a policy restricting LGBTQ+ identity and expression at its schools in Northeast Ohio. The new policy stated that every person is expected "to present and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with their God-given biological sex," Newsweek reported. The change came after Pope Francis had accused some American Catholics of putting political ideology over faith in August.