Once again, Pope Francis’ in-flight press conferences grab the attention of the entire world, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. After a unique apostolic voyage to Armenia, having strengthened ties with the Orthodox Church, the pope was asked to weigh in on a number of questions. As usual, our Holy Father answered with supreme honesty and pastoral care.

Concerning the possibility of female deacons, the Holy Father was very clear that, in responding to a question posed by a woman religious in May, he did not open the door to immediate ordinations. He expressed, and rightfully so, indignation about the way the issue was reported in the press. The pope did indicate that names were gathered from various theological and pastoral experts in the field so that a commission could be formed and perhaps most importantly, Francis acknowledged that the issue had been thoroughly explored in the past.

Concerning the role of our beloved Pope-Emeritus and his role in the Petrine Office, our Holy Father clearly stated that there is not a dual Petrine ministry. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now known as Francis, is the legitimate successor to Peter. The Holy Father praised Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI (who just celebrated the 65th anniversary of his priestly ordination) and admitted that he relies on the sage advice and prayers of Benedict, who is perhaps the greatest theological mind in the world today.

Concerning his choice of the word, “genocide” in relation to the people of Armenia, the Holy Father clearly and univocally defended his preferred term. In doing so, he brings even more clearly the plight of our persecuted Christians in the world today.

And perhaps most importantly, the Holy Father, in responding to a question concerning a recent speech by Cardinal Marx of Berlin, in which he called for the Church to apologize for her, at times, lack of pastoral care for those with same-sex attraction, agreed with the statement and took it one step further. In doing so, he made some very important theological distinctions that we need to examine.

In stating that the Church needs to apologize for its lack of pastoral outreach to those who have same-sex attraction, the Holy Father extended the need for that apology and that outreach to all those who, at times, have been marginalized by the Church.

He clearly did not approve of same-sex sexual activity. He clearly did not call for a recognition of same-sex marriage.

What the pope clearly did was restate the consistent teaching of the Catholic Church on the issue of homosexuality. We are to treat those who have a homosexual orientation the same way as we should every other human being, namely as one created in the image and likeness of God, and as one who is fundamentally good. Those who have a homosexual orientation should not be persecuted or unjustly treated, the same way that no one should be persecuted or unjustly treated. The pope brought forth the teaching of the Church once again.

We need to pray for and minister to those who have same-sex attraction, our sisters and brothers. The pope is calling us to a greater accompaniment of homosexually oriented persons. These women and men, our sisters and brothers, are called to lead a life of heroic chastity and to not be afraid to offer their gifts and talents to the world and to the Church.

Let’s pray that we all might heed the Holy Father’s words in this Jubilee Year of Mercy and walk the way of mercy, that is accompaniment, meeting people where they are and bringing them to where they should be.