Pope Francis says anyone who ‘discards’ gay people ‘doesn’t have a human heart’
The pontiff's surprise comments feature in a BBC show airing on Friday night
The pontiff's surprise comments feature in a BBC show airing on Friday night
POPE Francis has said anyone who "discards" gay people "doesn't have a human heart".
The pontiff's surprise comments - which go against the beliefs of many Catholics - were made in a BBC show due to air on Friday night.
British comedian Stephen K. Amos, who is gay, said he was "floored" by Pope Francis' words - which moved him to tears.
The Pope also asked Stephen and other visiting British celebs to pray for him so he can do his job better, the Mirror reports.
Speaking to a smiling Pope Francis at the Vatican, Stephen said: "I lost my mother, three months ago I buried my twin sister, who were both very religious.
“So me coming on this pilgrimage, being non-religious, I was looking for answers and faith.
"But as a gay man, I don’t feel accepted.”
There are people that prefer to select or discard people because of the adjective. These people don’t have a human heart
Pope Francis
Francis replied: “Giving more importance to the adjective [gay] rather than the noun [man], this is not good.
"We are all human beings and have dignity.
"It does not matter who you are, or how you live your life – you do not lose your dignity.
“There are people that prefer to select or discard people because of the adjective.
"These people don’t have a human heart.”
He added: “For those of you who are believers, pray for me.
"For those of you who do not believe, could you wish me a good journey, so I do not let anyone down.”
An emotional Stephen later said: “If it had been the answer I was expecting I would have walked out.
"Hearing what he said floored me.
“He gave me faith in humanity. He knows his response to my question... will have ramifications around the world.
“He’s saying those who hold extreme religious views of anti-homosexuality or anti-abortion don’t have a human heart and that is huge.”
Francis welcomed the celebrities as part of the final episode in the BBC2 series Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome, which airs tonight.
The show followed famous faces including including Brendan Cole, Lesley Joseph and Les Dennis on a spiritual journey travelling 1,000km through Italy to the heart of the Catholic church.
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