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Who am I to judge? [...] If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?

Pope Francis

Press conference aboard the papal plane returning from World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, **2013** · Checked on 2 March 2026
Who am I to judge? [...] If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?

Analysis

The statement was made during an **impromptu press conference** aboard the papal plane on **July 28, 2013**, while returning from World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. When asked about reports of a 'gay lobby' in the Vatican and the status of gay priests, Francis responded with the now-famous phrase, emphasizing **mercy over judgment** for those seeking God with goodwill. The remark was **officially transcribed** by the Vatican and reported by major outlets like *The New York Times*, *Reuters*, and *Catholic News Service*. His words marked a **shift in tone** (though not doctrine) on LGBTQ+ issues compared to previous papal rhetoric.

Background

The comment came amid broader discussions about reform in the Catholic Church, particularly regarding its approach to LGBTQ+ individuals. While Francis did not alter Church teaching on homosexuality (which still considers same-sex acts 'intrinsically disordered'), his **pastoral emphasis on inclusion** contrasted with prior public statements by Vatican officials. The remark was later cited in debates about the Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, clergy, and the 2023 *Fiducia Supplicans* declaration allowing blessings for same-sex couples in certain contexts.

Verdict summary

Pope Francis did make the 'Who am I to judge?' remark about gay individuals in 2013, as widely reported and confirmed by the Vatican.

Sources consulted

— Vatican News (Official Transcript, July 28, 2013): [‘Pope Francis: ‘Who am I to judge?’](http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2013/july/documents/papa-francesco_20130728_gmg-conferenza-stampa.html)’
— Reuters (July 29, 2013): [‘Pope says ‘who am I to judge?’ gays, in dramatic shift in tone’](https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS67E9JT0E220130729)
— The New York Times (July 29, 2013): [‘Pope Francis’ Remarks on Gays Reverberate’](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/30/world/europe/pope-francis-remarks-on-gays-reverberate.html)
— Catholic News Service (July 29, 2013): [‘Pope on gays: ‘Who am I to judge?’’](https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2013/pope-on-gays-who-am-i-to-judge.cfm)