The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, argues that homosexuality is not a crime in the face of the law but only in sin in the church.

The revered priest made this known at an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, January 25.

The Pope emphasized the love God has for all his children while calling on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.

“Being homos£xual isn’t a crime; Yes, but it’s a sin. Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime. It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another,” Pope Francis stated.

Speaking further on the discrimination against the LGBTQ community, Pope Francis encouraged bishops to embrace tenderness for the rainbow people.

“These bishops have to have a process of conversion, tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us. We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity,” he added.