Thu May 08 16:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Cardinal Sarah’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Stance Fuels Concerns Amid Papal Conclave
**Vatican City** – The ongoing papal conclave has sparked concern within the LGBTQ+ community due to the candidacy of Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea. While bookmakers favor Cardinals Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle, both considered relatively progressive, Sarah’s history of vehemently anti-LGBTQ+ statements has raised alarm.
Sarah, 79, has repeatedly denounced homosexuality, calling the UN’s call for African nations to decriminalize homosexuality “stupid” and referring to advocacy for same-sex unions as “part of a new ideology of evil.” He has linked LGBTQ+ rights to terrorism and described same-sex unions as detrimental to civilization. These views stand in stark contrast to Pope Francis’ more nuanced approach, which, while initially supportive of blessing same-sex unions, later clarified that the blessing was for individuals, not unions.
Sarah’s rhetoric, which has echoed conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues, including those similar to the Trump administration’s stance, has fueled fears among LGBTQ+ advocates already facing increased attacks on their rights globally. The possibility of a Sarah papacy is viewed by many as a setback for LGBTQ+ equality at a time when the community is facing significant challenges worldwide.
First Piper 