Hozier has criticised Pope Francis for his attitudes towards homosexuality.
The 25-year-old singer has hit out at the leader of the Catholic Church insisting he should be actively encouraging Catholics to accept the LGBTQ community, not just saying he doesn’t "judge" them.
He said: "This is one of the paradoxes and weird hypocrisy of that organisation [Catholic Church]. The pope came here last year and said, ‘Who am I to judge with regards to somebody’s sexual orientation?’ I think it is important to differentiate between lip service towards something and actually making change. I think it is hopeful, but saying this in 2015, ‘Who am I to judge?’ is something that should have been said 100 years ago."
The Irish star – who has remained tight-lipped on his own sexuality – went on to explain how the church’s "irrational aversion to homosexuality" was one of the reasons he wrote his global hit single ‘Take Me To Church’, which was nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
In an interview with ‘Larry King Now’ guest host Kelly Osbourne, he said: "It is one that has institutionalised gender inequality as well, dangerous policy over contraception and, in this case, it still harbours an irrational aversion to homosexuality. Which in my view I think that is why I was driven to write ‘Take Me to Church.’ I think the church provides an excuse for homophobia."
Hozier criticises Pope Francis
