Pope Francis opened the door of acceptance in the Catholic Church a little wider for gays, lesbians, and divorced Catholics on Friday. He sought the understanding and tolerance of church officials all over the world, asking them to be more patient and accommodating to people who live in "irregular" conditions without having to change official and formal doctrines set by the Vatican.

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The Supreme Pontiff of the universal Church wrote in a Vatican sweeping paper that "A pastor cannot feel that it is enough to simply apply moral laws."

The Pope added that these laws are commonly seen by church heads as stones that can be easily thrown at people whose lives do not comply with the Catholic Church's teachings.

The Pope called for a more extensive use of common sense among Catholic leaders instead of overthinking on how they can follow rules and how they can implement these rules on their specific churches. He also said that by considering everything to just be black and white, the "gray" is being missed and that "gray" may often mean the way to receiving both spiritual growth and grace.

Pope Francis also emphasized that it is unacceptable to discriminate anyone from seeking solace in the Catholic Church, be it a lesbian, gay, or a divorced individual who is already in a new marriage.

The paper is said to have caused some confusion among Catholic leaders and the laity and the Pope seemed to have already anticipated such misperception by further addressing the issue.

He said that although he understand those who religiously follow "a more rigorous pastoral care" and see no room for perplexity. He strongly believes, however, that Jesus Christ wants to have a church that is "attentive to the goodness which the Holy Spirit sows" amidst the problems of human limitations and weaknesses.

Ultimately, the goal of the Pope is to bring families and everyone in irregular situations closer to God as they experience His overflowing grace and love. He further emphasized that, "It can no longer simply be said that all those living in any 'irregular situation' are living in a state of mortal sin." 

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