According to Pope Francis, Africans are a special case when it comes to accepting homosexual people.

Pope Francis spoke in response to the criticism he got for granting same-sex blessings to LGBTQ couples last month.

Following the approval of the blessings in a document known as “Fiducia supplicans,” there was tremendous discussion in the Catholic Church, with African bishops leading the charge.

In an interview with La Stampa, an Italian newspaper, published on Monday, the pope stated that the purpose of the blessings was to demonstrate that the gospel sanctifies everyone.

He noted that Africans were particularly averse to the development due to cultural differences, but he remained optimistic that everyone would embrace the situation.

“Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups,” Francis said.

“A separate case are Africans: for them homosexuality is something ‘ugly’ from a cultural point of view. They do not tolerate it.

“But in general, I trust that gradually everyone will reassure themselves on the spirit of the ‘Fiducia supplicans’ statement of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it wants to include, not divide. He invites people to welcome and then entrust people, and entrust themselves, to God.”

Asked if he was concerned about a split in the church over the development, Francis replied in the negative, saying “in the church, there were small groups that manifested reflections of schismatic color” but that “you have to let them go and pass… and look ahead”.

Speaking about his health challenges in recent years with hospitalisations, mobility issues, and cancelled trips becoming the order of his day, the 87-year-old said: “There are some aches and pains but it’s better now. I’m fine”