By Lauren MacFadden ’17

America was buzzing September 23 when Pope Francis visited the nation’s capitol. While he was here Pope Francis led a midday prayer with U.S. Bishops at St. Mathews Cathedral, he addressed Congress, and appeared at the West Front capitol. Herds of people got into their cars and sat through hours of traffic to be able to get into D.C. to simply listen to the beautiful words the Pope spoke. Thousands of pictures were taken, especially with the cut outs of Pope Francis scattered out among many catholic churches. This was a historical event that took place. However, it ended on a sour note. It was revealed just days after Pope Francis’ departure that a secret meeting took place with Kim Davis. Davis works as a county clerk in Rowan county, Kentucky; she drew attention to herself when she denied same-sex couples marriage licenses despite the supreme court ruling that occurred in June.

Pope Francis has stated that he did not mean to endorse the beliefs of Kim Davis; however, many people find it suspicious that he would have met with her in the first place. Pope Francis held a very jam-packed schedule when he visited Washington D.C., however he found time to squeeze Kim Davis in, someone who consciously ignored a supreme court ruling. The meeting is puzzling to many because Pope Francis has been perceived to have liberal views and has accepted homosexuals into his church. When news of the meeting surfaced, it could only be assumed that it was about setting back the process same-sex marriage has made over the past century.

No matter the true reasoning, the news of the meeting devastated many Americans. The supreme court ruling that took place in June of 2015 was long-awaited for the gay community. Nearly forty-six years ago, the first modern day gay rights riot took place. Almost five decades passed with America not accepting gay marriage equal to a heterosexual marriage. Not only could they not get married, but homosexual couples had hard times adopting children because they could not be viewed as a real couple. Acceptance is especially hard if a gay person’s religion is catholic. It is a stereotype, but true to some, that catholic churches do not accept homosexuality. Pope Francis’ positive views on same sex marriage let homosexual Catholics feel accepted in their religion. Pope Francis’ views helped gay people persevere until June 26, 2015 when all love was made equal.

The hardships that the gay community has had to face has made it an uphill battle. Now that the Pope has either mistakenly or purposefully endorsed Kim Davis, most Catholic homosexuals do not feel welcome in their religion once again.