Pope Francis: ‘Homosexuality is a sin but not a crime’

Pope Francis speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at the Vatican (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Pope Francis has branded laws criminalising homosexuality “unjust” – saying God loves his children just as they are – and called on Catholic bishops supporting the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.

“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” Francis said during an interview with the Associated Press on Tuesday.