Pope Francis Weighs in on Gay Marriage Debate, Says All Government Workers Have Right to 'Conscientious Objection'

After returning from his recent U.S. visit, Pope Francis weighed in on the religious freedom debate waging in the U.S., suggesting that government workers have a "human right" to be exempt from their duties based on their religious beliefs. 

While speaking to reporters during his trip back to the Vatican on Monday, the pope argued that all government workers have a right to refuse to follow through with their job if they have a "conscientious objection."

Critics contend that the pope was referencing embattled Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, who was jailed earlier this month for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses to gay couples based on her Christian religious beliefs. Davis continues to refuse to issue the licenses.

Although the pope did not specifically reference Davis, he told a reporter that he believes all people are entitled to conscientious objection.

"I can't have in mind all the cases that can exist about conscientious objection [...] but yes, I can say that conscientious objection is a right that is a part of every human right. It is a right. And if a person does not allow others to be a conscientious objector, he denies a right," Francis said.

"Conscientious objection must enter into every juridical structure because it is a right, a human right. Otherwise we would end up in a situation where we select what is a right, saying, 'this right that has merit, this one does not,'" the pope added.

While speaking to members of the LGBT community over the weekend, President Obama offered a different take on religious freedom, suggesting that Americans' constitutional rights must be met despite religious beliefs. 

"We affirm that we cherish our religious freedom and are profoundly respectful of religious traditions," the Commander-in-Chief said. "But we also have to say clearly that our religious freedom doesn't grant us the freedom to deny our fellow Americans their constitutional rights."