Vatican opposes criminalisation of homosexuality, top cardinal says

FILE PHOTO: Cardinal S.E. Mons. Victor Manuel Fernandez looks on after being elevated to the rank of cardinal at the Vatican, September 30, 2023. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Vatican opposes the criminalisation of homosexuality as practiced by a number of countries with the support of Catholic groups, the head of the Vatican's doctrine office said on Monday.

Presenting a publication which reaffirmed the Vatican's opposition to sex changes, gender theory and surrogate parenthood, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez called laws punishing homosexuality "a big problem" and said: "of course we are not in favour of criminalisation."