Pope Francis Expresses Support For Same-Gender Civil Union

• In a documentary called “Francesco,’ Pope Francis openly said that he supports civil union between same-gender couples.
• The remarks has since gained mixed reactions from both the followers and leaders of the Catholic Church.
• “Homosexual people have the right to be in a family.,” he specified, adding they, too, are “children of God.”

Pope Francis recently made headlines after voicing his support for same-gender civil unions. His stance is a significant departure from the abiding policy of the church to distance itself from gay marriage.

In a new documentary film entitled ‘Francesco,’ the 83-year-old pontiff said “Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it.”

Debuted at the Rome Film Festival, the said documentary has since gained a lot of buzz because of the pope’s remarks.

While gay rights supporters rejoiced in his views, some were quick to criticize the Catholic leader.

Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, said that the pope’s statement “clearly contradicts what has been the longstanding teaching of the church about same-sex unions,” adding that further clarification is essential.

Jesuit priest Reverend Antonio Spadaro pointed out that the remark will affect existing doctrine “in no way.”

“What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered,” Pope Francis further specified in the film.

Meanwhile, Reverend James Martin told Washington Post:

“This is the first time as pope he’s making such a clear statement. I think it’s a big step forward. In the past, even civil unions were frowned upon in many quarters of the church. He is putting his weight behind legal recognition of same-sex civil unions.”

Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture director David Gibson commented:

“This is huge. Looking behind all this, [Francis is] basically saying, again, ‘We’re not out here to be culture warriors. We’re not out here to pick fights. We are out here to build up the family.’”

Watch this report by CBS News:

You can also check out Francesco’s trailer here: