Pope Francis has attacked same-sex marriage and civil unions, ahead of a debate in the Italian Senate at introducing civil unions for same-sex couples.Italy is the last major Western European state to have no legal recognition of same-sex couples. The majority have equal marriage, while Germany and Malta have forms of civil partnerships.
Addressing members of the Vatican court, Pope Francis said: “There can be no confusion between the family God wants and any other type of union.”The Pontiff added: “The family, founded on indissoluble matrimony that unites and allows procreation, is part of God’s dream and that of his Church for the salvation of humanity.”
Earlier this week, the country’s Justice Minister, Andrea Orlando, said his country must introduce same-sex civil unions.Mr Orlando said Italy must meet the demands of Strasbourg courts that it must legally recognise the relationships of same-sex couples. He said “an intervention is necessary, it’s a fact we have to face.”
A bill has been drafted by Premier Matteo Renzi’s government which would extend civil unions to same-sex couples. However the bill has found staunch opposition, including by the Catholic Church.In particular arguments against surrogacy, which some say will be legalised if adoption is allowed as part of the legislation.
And this is news, because? I thought the Pope's stance on Same Sex Marriage and Civil Unions was already pretty well known, and it's not likely he'll change his mind anytime soon.
not at all surprised.
I know people are obsessed with how "progressive" this Pope is... but... he's still the Pope (which means one of the most fanatically Christian people on the planet). Simply because he feels that not all gay people burn in hell for all eternity, doesn't make him an ally.
The Catholic Church will perish before they accept the gays. When will people understand this?
I mean, it's 2016 and they still condemn divorce and condoms!
Let is go people, get with the times 'cause they definitely won't.
What else is he supposed to say? He can't have any more comments taken out of context that make it sound like he flat out supports the gay community, because, even if he does, he's the leader of the Catholic Church. As a Catholic myself, I know that most Catholics would be highly offended to know that their leader is a supporter of gay rights. He is extremely progressive and I think he's the best pope we've had in a long time. But he's still confined to his position as the leader of the Catholic Church; even if he does support gay rights, he can't say that publicly, because it would probably damage his reputation among the Catholic community.
