It is fascinating to see the secular media at work in the echo of Pope Francis's remarks on the plane returning from World Youth Day. His comment was that homosexuals must not be marginalized. One national news source reported that "Pope Francis approves homosexual activity." Not quite what he said! We need Catholic media more than ever, in an age where secular media seldom, if ever, report religious news accurately. Perhaps it is not their fault in the press to be first with "breaking news" in a non-stop news cycle. However, the secular world has never understood the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Some time ago I spoke at length with a parent of an adult homosexual child, sorting through the moral and parenting issues. The conclusion: love him more, since he will travel through life with challenges we will never know, struggling to remain chaste. Is this not what Pope Francis said today? Love him (her) more, do not marginalize the person who struggles to live chastely, offer whatever support we can.
Be wary, however, because when the secular media learn that they got the story wrong their next headlines will be, "Pope Francis back-peddles on gay rights issue." Never think you're getting a good lesson in theology by watching or reading secular news sources.

July 29, 2013
Msgr. William J. King