Pope Francis sent a letter of encouragement to Fr. James Martin, SJ, to encourage him in his ministry favoring the legitimization of homosexual orientations.

Former diplomat Abp. Carlo Maria Viganò said that he warned Pope Francis of sexual misconduct allegations against Cdl. McCarrick, but that Francis did nothing to investigate; instead he brought McCarrick out of the retirement Pope Benedict had tried to impose on him. Viganò called on the pope to resign.