Monsignor Krysztof Olaf Charamsa, a Polish priest who was a mid-officer of the Vatican's doctrinal arm, got fired Saturday, the eve of the synod that was set to discuss the Catholic Church's plans of outreach to the LGBT community, divorcees and traditional Catholic families, for announcing that he is gay.
Msgr. Charamsa, with his partner at his side, initially planned a news conference at the Vatican, but it was held it in Rome instead following his firing.
He called Pope Francis in his press conference to revise Catholic doctrine on homosexuality, which considers same-sex relationships sinful, CNN reported.
"This decision of mine to come out was a very personal one taken in a Catholic Church that is homophobic and very difficult and harsh [towards gays]," said Msgr. Charasma.
"I ask the pope to be strong and to remember us, homosexuals, lesbians, transsexuals and bisexuals as children of the Church and members of humanity," he continued, according to People.
The Vatican saw the priest's action as irresponsible.
"The decision to make such a pointed statement on the eve of the opening of the synod appears very serious and irresponsible, since it aims to subject the synod assembly to undue media pressure," said Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombard, according to Wall Street Journal.
Despite getting fired, Msgr. Charamsa remains a priest, although Rev. Lombardi implied that actions can still be done about it.
