<p class=s3><strong>May 22 2024.</strong>&nbsp;In a far-ranging interview with CBS News Norah ODonnell Pope Francis addressed issues as varied as wars raging across the world to climate change. The conversation also touched on the perennial Catholic hot buttons of the place of gay and transgender people womens roles and sexual abuse.&nbsp;</p><p>DignityUSA found the Popes response to questions about the recent document allowing the blessing of people in same-sex relationships disappointing. When ODonnell&nbsp;asked about blessings for same-sex couples Pope Francis said No. What I allowed was not to bless the union. That is not that is not the sacrament. I cannot. The Lord made it that way. But to bless each person yes.</p><p>This ongoing attempt to separate the individuals from their loving committed relationship when same-sex couples seek blessings from priests is simply absurd said Marianne Duddy-Burke DignityUSA Executive Director. The love and commitment of gay lesbian and bisexual people are part of our essence. When we commit to another person we become as much a unit as people of different genders who marry. The love and commitment are equal. Church officials need to recognize that as many many Catholics have already done. Continuing to treat us differently from other couples is pastorally harmful and needs to end.</p><p>The Popes interactions with transgender individuals&nbsp;were&nbsp;noted in the interview but not addressed in depth. The Pope said that the Church should be welcoming of everyone. DignityUSA agrees with this and urges that steps to make this feasible be a priority. For example a welcoming church must agree to respect transgender and nonbinary peoples use of names and pronouns that align with their gender identity&nbsp;ensure safe access to facilities and work to make appropriate medical and social supports available. We remain available to help address these needs.</p><p>It was also deeply disappointing to hear Pope Francis reject the possibility of women being deacons or members of the clergy. When asked about this he replied No. He added If it is deacons with Holy Orders no. But women have always had I would say the function of deaconesses without being deacons right? Women are of great service as women not as ministerswithin the Holy Orders.</p><p>To recognize that women are doing the same work as deacons and other church ministers while continuing to deny them ordination which is open to males doing the same work is simply perpetuating a system of inequity. DignityUSA and millions of other Catholics have&nbsp;long benefited from the ministry of women called to vocations within the Church. We believe that ordination and official ministry should be open to all who have such a call regardless of gender gender identity sexual orientation or relational or marital status.&nbsp;</p><p>Unfortunately this interview reinforced the reality that many Catholic leaders including Pope Francis are still unwilling or unable to treat all individuals as truly equal as we believe we all are in the eyes of God said Duddy-Burke. We urge people who feel hurt and disappointed by this to seek out organizations and communities that are living these beliefs. There are many Catholic groups that practice our faith more inclusively work to challenge unjust structures and strive to be in dialogue with church leaders on these critical issues. We welcome others to join us.</p>