Pope says Church open to everyone, including LGBT people, but has rules

Pope Francis attends a press conference onboard a plane en route to Rome, at the end of the XXXVII World Youth Day in Lisbon, August 6, 2023. ANSA/Maurizio Brambatti/Pool via REUTERS

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (Reuters) -Pope Francis said on Sunday that the Catholic Church is open to everyone, including the gay community, and that it has a duty to accompany them on a personal path of spirituality but within the framework of its rules.

Francis, speaking to reporters on the plane returning to Rome from Portugal, also said his health was good following surgery for an abdominal hernia in June. He said his stitches had been removed but had to wear an abdominal band for another two or three months until his muscles strengthened.