African Human Rights Coalition In The Pope's Memory

Upon the passing of Pope Francis, African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC) extends condolences to Catholics in Africa, African Catholics in the Diaspora, and all worldwide, who mourn his loss. May his memory be a blessing and may he rest in peace.

While the people who AHRC serve have experienced horrendous persecution against their sexuality and gender identity, on the continent, emanating from religious dicta to include the Catholic Church, we acknowledge how special Pope Francis was in his attempts to mitigate harms and inform progress for LGBTI people, through his compassion, kindness and reforms. Pope Francis allowed blessings for same-sex couples, with limitations, evidencing an important attempt to reform Church doctrine. He also met with LGBT African leaders. Unfortunately this was not well received from African cardinals and bishops, causing a rift. Together with the Vatican, the Catholic Church, in Africa, and in much of the world, continues as a powerful force for discrimination, persecution, enhanced criminalization, and the resulting violence this licenses. The Vatican has in essence presided over the ongoing violence against LGBTI people, worldwide, and not done much to impact positive change. Here at AHRC we mourn the loss of all the good that Pope Francis represented, his humility, his kindness, his care for the poor, and the opportunity he instilled for the future. It is our hope that his legacy will invite building on what he started, rather than a regression, and that the future of the Catholic Church can be one that is fully inclusive of all Catholics, including those who are LGBTQI+ forced out into a struggle for protection, safe shelter, and the dignity all deserve, as G-d's children.