Photo: DailyMail
In a huge historic move, Pope Francis has endorsed same-sex civil unions. The Catholic Church has long been famously opposed to homosexuality and the principle that homosexual people should be able to marry. This break with tradition has alarmed conservatives and brought hope and joy to millions of others around the world.
The Pope's words came not in an official statement but instead in a documentary about the current pontiff.
In the documentary, Pope Francis said that homosexuals are 'the children of God'. He stated:
"Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God. What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered."
Catholic LGBTI groups were quick to show their support of the Pope's words. ILGA Europe, an advocacy group, said on twitter:
"In the context where there is so much polarisation and scapegoating of LGBTI people, often endorsed and stoked by religious leaders, Pope Francis' statement on same-sex unions is to be welcomed and should be carefully listened to. We will monitor closely to see in how far the statement will be picked up by the churches and will lead to real change for LGBTI people and their families."
While Stonewall UK added:
"It's immensely powerful and moving to hear Pope Francis endorse civil unions for same-sex couples. We know from our research that a third of lesbian, gay and bi people (32%) aren't open with anyone in their faith community about their sexual orientation."
It’s immensely powerful and moving to hear Pope Francis endorse civil unions for same-sex couples. We know from our research that a third of lesbian, gay and bi people (32%) aren’t open with anyone in their faith community about their sexual orientation. https://t.co/JfPQZ8a1hI
— stonewalluk (@stonewalluk) October 21, 2020
However, some conservative Catholics have already voiced their concerns. Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, USA, voiced his opposition saying:
"The Pope's statement clearly contradicts what has been the long-standing teaching of the church about same-sex unions. The church cannot support the acceptance of objectively immoral relationships."
Pope Francis, 83, is the first Pope to come from Latin America and held a wide variety of careers before entering the priesthood. He graduated from college as a chemist and worked in a lab for a number of years. He also worked as a janitor and as a bouncer in a bar in Buenos Aries but decided to train as a Jesuit priest aged 22 after attending a confession held by a priest he was inspired by.
He is widely regarded as the most progressive Pope to ever sit in the Vatican.
COMMENTS