World
Pope Francis calls for end to anti-gay laws and LGBTQ+ welcome from church
The Catholic Church must put Pope Francis’ historic statement that homos.e.xuality is not a crime into action by actively supporting efforts to repeal laws criminalising homosexuality in Africa. In an interview with the Associated Press on Tuesday, Francis asserted that homosexuality is “not a crime” but acknowledged that some would argue that it’s “a sin”.
He responded, “Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime. The head of the Catholic Church pointed out, however, that “It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another.
Pope Francis said that laws criminalising homos.ex.uality are “unjust” and that the church should campaign to end them. “It must do this. It must do this,” he said.
The pontiff believes that Catholic bishops who continue to support or advocate for laws against gay people “have to have a process of conversion,” and that they must treat everyone with “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us.”
The Pope’s comments come just days before his planned visit to Congo and South Sudan. According to ILGA World, 66 UN member states continue to criminalise consensual same-s.e.x sexual relations, a large number of them in Africa. The continent has one of the fastest growing Catholic populations in the world, with almost 200 million members.
ILGA World co-Secretaries General, Luz Elena Aranda and Tuisina Ymania Brown, welcomed the Pope’s words. “Such a simple statement has now the potential to initiate a much-needed change and will provide relief to millions of persons in our communities across the world,” they said in a statement.
Julia Ehrt, executive director at ILGA World, called for “the Holy See to turn these words into concrete action,” and said that “The Catholic Church and its institutions can and should play an active role in supporting decriminalisation efforts across the world and within the United Nations and multilateral fora.”
Francis DeBernardo, executive director of LGBTQ Catholic group New Ways Ministry, believes that “this call for decriminalisation will help save lives and promote respect for LGBTQ+ people, particularly in areas where law or social norms make them victims of fear, hatred, violence, and death.”
“The Pope is reminding the church that the way people treat one another in the social world is of much greater moral importance that what people may possibly do in the privacy of a bedroom,” he added.
Pope Francis has previously stated that gays and lesbians should not be judged or discriminated against and met with the parents of LGBTQ children, telling them their children are worthy of love from the church.
In 2020, he expressed his approval of the legal recognition of same-sex unions by the state (but not the church).
Francis remains opposed to the recognition of same-sex marriage. He’s also rejected transgender rights and gender diversity, describing these in public statements as threats to the family and humanity.
According to official Catholic doctrine, same-s.e.x s.e.x is defined as an “[act] of grave depravity”, “intrinsically disordered” and “contrary to the natural law
Source: Reuters
In other news – Marc Anthony Marries Nadia Ferreira in Star-Studded Miami Wedding
Marc Anthony‘s married again this time saying “I do” to a 23-year-old beauty pageant winner with a lot of famous friends in tow, sans one key person.
The singer reportedly tied the knot Saturday with Nadia Ferreira, whom he got engaged to in May. Per Hola!, the nuptials went down in Miami at the Perez Art Museum. Not only was the place packed with celebs, but public officials too — Miami’s mayor included, who officiated. Learn more
Nigeria was once hailed as one of Africa’s strongest and greatest nations, but recent years have seen a troubling decline marked by economic downturn, rising insecurity, and deteriorating international standing. The hardships faced by citizens have become unbearable, with many struggling to survive. It is in this context that the youth, the backbone of our nation, are stepping forward to demand change.
To the vibrant and passionate youths of Nigeria, your right to protest is enshrined in our constitution. It is a powerful tool for expressing dissent and demanding accountability. However, it is crucial to remember that the effectiveness of your message is amplified when delivered peacefully. Vandalizing property and engaging in violence not only undermines the legitimacy of your cause but also puts innocent lives at risk.
Peaceful protest is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your strength and maturity. It shows that you are capable of demanding change without resorting to destruction. Let us honor the legacy of past leaders who fought for our rights with dignity and respect for human life.
A Call to the Government and Political Leaders
To our government and political leaders, the voices of the people are crying out for change. It is your duty to listen and act. The grievances being expressed are not new; they reflect years of neglect and mismanagement. The time for empty promises is over. Concrete actions are needed to address the economic challenges, improve security, and restore Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
The youths of Nigeria are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. They deserve a government that listens to their concerns and works tirelessly to create a better future for all. Engaging in open dialogue and taking decisive steps to address the issues at hand will not only alleviate the current crisis but also rebuild the trust between the government and the people.
As the protests is on, let us all remember that our common goal is to build a better Nigeria. This can only be achieved through peaceful and constructive actions. To the youths, march with purpose and resolve, knowing that your peaceful stance speaks volumes. To the government and political leaders, hear the cries of your people and take meaningful steps to make things right.
Source: vanguardngr
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for transparency, accountability and the elimination of unnecessary expenditures to cut down on the cost of governance in the country. Akpabio made the call on Monday at a one-day dialogue on the cost of governance in Nigeria organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in Abuja.
Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers) highlighted the possible factors contributing to the high cost of governance in the country.He said the size of the country’s bureaucracy, the escalating public service wage bills, the overhead costs of appointed public officials, and the salaries and allowances of elected officials are major factors.
According to him, the running of government institutions among other substantial components contributed to weighing down the economy and hindering development efforts. Let us hold ourselves accountable and take responsibility for the betterment of our nation. We have to ensure that our government operates efficiently and effectively, serving the needs of the people and fostering sustainable development,” he said.
The president of the senate emphasized the need to streamline bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensured transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. We must invest in our human capital, empowering our public officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive progress.
“And we must foster a culture of innovation and creativity, where new ideas can flourish and transform our nation,” he said.Akpabio urged all Nigerians to remain united, become agents of change and be committed to making sacrifices for the nation. He said that the 10th Assembly was ready to partner with all stakeholders to do everything within its constitutional powers to make Nigeria for all citizens.
Source: pmnewsnigeria
In other news – Bad leaders making the life of Nigerians miserable – Pastor Giwa
The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, on Sunday, lamented that the economic situation in Nigeria has gone from bad to worse under President Bola Tinubu.
The clergyman noted that bad leaders were intentionally making life miserable for Nigerians. Read more
A Chinese national who was arrested yesterday at the Harare magistrate court on allegations of smuggling more than 100 tonnes of Cynide has claimed to be a diplomat.
Li Song who is facing several allegations that include money laundering, extenalisation, theft and attempted murder has been released by the National Prosecuting Authority to the amusement of the complainants who have a solid evidence against her.
According to the source who attended the vetting process Li Song claimed to be a diplomat who is immune from arrest in the country and the members of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission went to the Chinese embassy to verify her claim..
According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officers Somg was taken to Avondale police station cells for verification.
The notorious Chinese national has been implicated in various offences in the country and is also suspected to be one of the suspect in the poisoning of elephants with Cynide in the country.
Song is accused of externalizing more than US$11 million to an offshore bank account and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is a complainant in the case.
Song was arrested at the Harare magistrates court by members of Zacc and is expected to appear in court today.
According to the source Li improtedd more than 100 tonnes of Cynide but was later found with 40 tonnes which was stores at different places in a bid to use it in court to obstruct the course of justice.
Li was recently summons to appear in court on May 21 on allegations of externalization and moneylaundering which Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the complainant.
She is accused of externalizing US$11 million through the central bank after manufacturing invoices to get forex at the bank’s auction system.
The Chinese national who is also referred as a defacto ambassador of China is also facing allegations of attempting to kill her business partner Franesco Marconati who is the owner of Eagle Italian Leather and Shoes.