Pope Francis Condemning Gay Marriage Bans Highlights Catholic 'Civil War'

Pope Francis took one of his strongest positions yet against legislation around the world that criminalizes homosexuality or otherwise discriminates against LGBTQ individuals Tuesday, seemingly indicating that the leadership of the Catholic Church—long divided over the question of its position toward the community—was beginning to take a firmer position of solidarity with the LGBTQ community.

"Being homosexual isn't a crime," Francis said during an exclusive interview with the Associated Press published Wednesday.

While Francis still referred to homosexuality in the context of "sin," the comments were lauded by many who saw the comments as...