On the eve of the Synod about family, MonseigneurKrzysztof Olaf Charamsa, a polish priest, decided to come out and start a discussion about homosexuality. After giving an interview to an Italian newspaper, the Vatican decided he was no longer able to perform his duties as a priest.Charamsa wanted to urge the church to change its opinion on the matter: “The Catholic Church has to realize that homosexuals also believe in God and the clergy must realize that a life of celibacy is also a life without love, which is unbearable.”

In a press conference, together with his boyfriend, a Spanish human rights activist, they announced a demonstration in front of the Vatican, which they later decided not to do.

The press secretary of the Popedeclared that the priest was not fired because of his sexual orientation but because it was irresponsible to organize a demonstration and thereby adding media pressure on the synod. Since the priest is in a relationship and broke his promise of celibacy, he will probably also be removed from priesthood.

It is not the first time that Pope Francis is explicitly expressing his opinion about homosexuality. Only last week when he addressed the United Nations, he declared that “it is against human nature and gay marriages are irresponsible and abnormal," although in February this year he received a delegation for gay rights. Since he was actually the first pope to receive such delegation, it was believed that Pope Francis would be more open-minded about the subject.

Earlier this year, when the Irish population approved gay marriage by means of a referendum, the Vatican state secretary Parolin stated this was “a defeat for humanity” and he deeply regretted the result of the public voting.Even though the Church leader might be willing to discuss the issue, more conservative bishops believe that the church should be even stricter about this.

When people worldwide are becoming more open to these topics, the church still stands behind its lifelong opinion about gay people, divorce, priests in relations.