Chilean Gay Rights Organization Urges Vatican for Support

By Jay Balagna
Santiago Times
February 11, 2013

http://www.santiagotimes.cl/chile/human-rights-a-law/25719-chilean-gay-rights-organization-urges-vatican-for-support

Chilean gay rights group Movilh expressed its hopes Monday for a supporter to land in the Vatican’s top spot after news of Pope Benedict XVI?s plans for retirement spread around the world.

PopeThe statement, which lists the Movilh’s complaints over Benedict’s stance against homosexuality, calls for members of the church and its clergy to press for the election of a new pope with a more accepting viewpoint.

The statement comes in contrast to official reactions to the news from around the world, including that of the Chilean government. In a statement, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera called the announcement “an act of courage and of conscience.”

“It’s been more than 600 years since a pope has resigned,” Pinera said in statement. “This demonstrates that the pope is putting aside his own interests for the wellbeing of the Church and of the Christian faith and that is something I appreciate and value.”

Benedict will continue serving as pope until Feb. 28, he said, at which point the Church will begin the process of electing a new leader.