LGBT equality groups and political commentators across the world are lining up to express their anger and disbelief at Pope Benedict's latest outburst against gay people.
Saving humanity from homosexual acts is as important as saving the rainforests, the Catholic leader had said in his Christmas message.
Transgender former Italian MP Vladimir Luxuria called his words "hurtful", while the UK's Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) said the comments were "irresponsible and unacceptable", reports the BBC.
Rev Sharon Ferguson, chief executive of the LGCM, described the Pope's remarks as "totally irresponsible and unacceptable in any shape or form.
"It is more the case that we need to be saved from his comments," she added. "It is comments like that that justify homophobic bullying that goes on in schools and it is comments like that that justify gay bashing."
The UK's Guardian newspaper quotes "a gay Kiwi in London" who quipped that he "would like to save humanity from the Pope."
Long-time LGBT equality activist Peter Tatchell was also outraged. "By choosing to highlight homosexuality instead of hunger, war and homelessness, the Pope has lost his moral bearings and sense of priorities," he said in a statement.
"At least a third of the clergy are gay, which makes this latest outburst by the Pope so hypocritical," he added.
"If Benedict objects so strongly to homosexuality, why does he surround himself with gay advisors and Vatican officials?"
