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Pope Benedict XVI reconfirms Catholic stance on homosexuality
Pope Benedict XVI
Gay diplomat is deemed 'unsuitable' as an ambassador to the Vatican
"The rejection was based on Kuhn-Delforge's 'personal profile' as a gay man"
The Pope has rejected Jean-Loup Kuhn-Delforge as the next French ambassador to the Vatican.
Kuhn-Delforge was appointed by Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, as Bernad Kessedijian's successor. Kessedijian died in December 2007 and as yet has not been replaced.
The rejection was based on Kuhn-Delforge's 'personal profile' as a gay man. The Vatican criticised the diplomat for being 'openly and militantly gay', and highlighted in particular his double-barreled surname, which is an amalgamation of his and his husband's names.
Stephane Chmelewsky and Marc Odendall are now in competition for the position. The former candidate organised the recent papal visit to France, and the latter is a German national. The final decision will ensure that someone of 'good name' is chosen.
Early candidates prior to Kuhn-Delforge included author Denis Tillinac, who was discarded because he is a divorcee. The Roman Catholic Church condemns divorce as well as active homosexuality.
