Pope Francis Refers to 'gay lobby' inside Vatican

Pope Francis referred for the  first time, to the existence of a "gay lobby" inside the Vatican. The acknowledgment came during an audience with Latin American Catholic leaders of religious communities.

VATICAN CITY (Catholic Online) - During his audience with a group of Latin American Catholic leaders of religious communities, Pope Francis said there was a "current of corruption" within the Curia, which governs the Catholic Church. He also referred to the existence of the "gay lobby" which until now has only been a rumor.

Speaking in Spanish, Francis said: "in the Curia, there are truly some saints, but there is also a current of corruption." "There is talk of a gay lobby and it's true it exists. We will have to see what we can do," Francis added.

Pope Francis explained "I cannot carry out the reforms myself." Francis explained that he was still very disorganized.

The existence of a gay lobby began to circulate last year as part of the Vatileaks scandal. The rumors gained more traction following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Francis is one of the few Vatican insiders to see a secret report that purportedly reveals elements of corruption within the Curia. Because that report has not been shared aside from very few people, it remains unclear just what it contains.

Although the Holy Father has admitted to being disorganized, and that he will need help in cleaning up any corruption within the Curia, he has at least acknowledged that a concern exists.

At this time, it is inappropriate to speculate how significant the problem may be, and if this gay lobby has any influence over church doctrine or decisions. Given the fact that the church remains steadfast on protecting the sanctity of marriage, and continues to deliver a consistent message on human ethics, morality, and sexuality, it is a stretch to assume that the gay lobby can do much harm to the church.

Still, it is an issue that Pope Francis himself will have to fully address and, has already begun. 

Pope Francis has already taken steps to ensure that the Curia is rid of any kind of corruption. One of his first acts as Pope was to form a council comprised of eight Cardinals to provide recommendations on how to reform the Vatican. Actions such as these show Pope Francis's commitment to the integrity and health of the Holy Church.

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