EXCLUSIVE: Leo XIV’s former classmate blasts Pope’s downplaying of sexual sin – LifeSite
(LifeSiteNews) — In a stunning and exclusive interview, Professor William Thomas — a former classmate of Pope Leo XIV and a respected theologian — has lambasted the latest controversial remarks by the pontiff. Prof. Thomas directly confronts the Pope’s recent comments that appear to downgrade the gravity of sexual sin in comparison to other social issues.
The remarks came during Pope Leo’s return flight from Africa, when he was asked about the German bishops’ push for formalized blessings of homosexual couples and divorced-and-remarried couples. Instead of a clear defense of Church teaching on chastity, which would have meant the criticism of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo stated that the Church’s moral focus shouldn’t be so concerned with sexuality. He said greater and more important issues — such as justice, equality between men and women, and freedom of religion — take priority.
READ: Pope Leo XIV affirms informal ‘blessing’ for homosexual couples and downplays sexual sin
Professor Thomas calls this “very sad” and “weak theology.”
In the full interview (watch below), the professor explains why Leo’s approach is dangerous for souls. Thomas says that the only sins mentioned in the synodal document which Leo has made the focus of his papacy “are sins against creation, sins against the marginalized groups, and sins against peace. There’s no question of mortal sin here, or sins against the person, sins against chastity. It doesn’t come into it, doesn’t play the role.”
Thomas, who knows Pope Leo personally from their days as classmates, notes the Pope’s background as a mathematician and even quips about his interest in bodybuilding equipment: “We don’t need the mathematician as a pope… He doesn’t need muscles. He needs brains.”
READ: Bishop Strickland responds to Pope Leo’s remarks on homosexual ‘blessings’
After 13 years of ambiguity under the previous pontificate, the Church is “crying out for somebody to lead and to say, wrong is wrong. Sin is sin.” Thomas reminds viewers that the Catechism already gives us the clear, unchanging truth on these matters. “Why,” he asks, “can’t a pontiff, a bishop, or a cardinal… quote the Catechism… We’re sick and tired of people making it up or making excuses not to address the issue.”
Watch the full exclusive interview here:
If you value straight talk rooted in Scripture, the Catechism, and the constant teaching of the Church, please watch the full video and share it widely.
Pray for the exaltation of the Church and the extirpation of heresies.
John-Henry is the co-founder and CEO of LifeSiteNews.com. He and his wife Dianne have eight children and they live in the Ottawa Valley in Ontario, Canada.
He has spoken at conferences and retreats, and appeared on radio and television throughout the world. John-Henry founded the Rome Life Forum, an annual strategy meeting for life, faith and family leaders worldwide. He is a board member of the John Paul II Academy for Human Life and the Family. He is a consultant to Canada’s largest pro-life organization Campaign Life Coalition, and serves on the executive of the Ontario branch of the organization. He has run three times for political office in the province of Ontario representing the Family Coalition Party.
John-Henry earned an MA from the University of Toronto in School and Child Clinical Psychology and an Honours BA from York University in Psychology.
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