In a recent press conference during his return from a Catholic youth summit in Portugal, Pope Francis reaffirmed the Catholic Church's openness to the gay community and stated its duty to accompany them on their personal spiritual journeys, while still adhering to the Church's rules.

He also provided an update on his health following surgery earlier this year, mentioning that his stitches had been removed but he still needed to wear an abdominal band for a few more months. The Pope's remarks came in response to a question about the Church's apparent inconsistency in its treatment of certain groups, such as women and gay people, who are not granted the same rights and sacraments.

Francis acknowledged that the Church indeed had laws that regulated life within its walls, and based on those laws, certain sacraments were not accessible to everyone. However, he emphasized that this did not mean the Church was closed off to anyone, as each person has their own unique way of encountering God within the Church.

Highlighting the importance of ministering to all individuals with patience and love, Pope Francis explained that the Church teaches that women cannot become priests because Jesus chose only men as his apostles. Similarly, same-sex marriage and blessings for same-sex couples are not allowed within the Church.

Nevertheless, Francis showed support for civil legislation granting same-sex couples rights in areas like pensions, health insurance, and inheritance. The Church maintains that same-sex attraction itself is not sinful, but same-sex acts are.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has been working towards a more welcoming and less condemnatory Church, particularly for the LGBT community, without altering teachings that encourage chastity for those with same-sex attraction.

During his trip to Portugal, he reminded a crowd that the Church has room for everyone, including those who make mistakes and struggle, leading them in a chant of "Todos, todos, todos!" (Everyone, everyone, everyone!). Over the past ten years, Pope Francis has implemented various reforms, including giving more high-ranking positions to women within the Vatican.

However, he faces the challenge of striking a delicate balance between appealing to more liberal believers and not upsetting conservatives within the Church. Regarding his recent visit to Portugal, the Pope expressed rejuvenation and admiration for the orderly and sizable crowds that attended the World Youth Day Catholic festival, with approximately 1.5 million people present at his closing Mass.

Pope Francis's statements during the press conference shed light on his ongoing efforts to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and compassionate while preserving its fundamental doctrines. It is a continuous endeavor to create a Church that welcomes all individuals, regardless of their background or struggles, and guides them in their spiritual journeys.