Pope’s Affirmation of “Right to Family” Can Help LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care

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As Pope Francis has consistently emphasized, mercy encounters persons and their needs, not their moral infractions. When Catholic families and communities learn to see others with these eyes, new horizons in how we imagine the extent and diversity of our families may well unfold. Read More

Mexican Cardinal Endorses Pope’s Support for Civil Unions, Family Inclusion of LGBTQ Members

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A leading bishop in Mexico has spoken favorably about Pope Francis' support for same-gender civil unions and call for families not to exclude LGBTQ members. Read More

Activists in Bahamas, South Africa, Poland, Elsewhere Laud Pope’s Civil Union Support

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For many commentators, Pope Francis' recent comments reiterating his support for civil unions that recognize same-gender couples were not far enough. Less heard, but quite relevant, are voices who note that Francis simply speaking of LGBTQ people positively makes a tremendous impact in areas where LGBTQ people remain very much at risk. Read More

Theologians Contrast Approach to LGBTQ Rights Between Pope Francis and U.S. Bishops

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Two Catholic theologians have asserted that Pope Francis’ endorsement of same-gender civil unions should be heeded by the U.S. Catholic bishops because their pastoral approach to the LGBTQ community compared to Pope Francis’ approach are worlds apart.  Read More

Elton John, “Two Popes” Actor, Global Activists, and More Respond to Pope’s Civil Union Support

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Responses to Pope Francis' support for civil unions that recognize same-gender couples have continued to be posted online through media interviews, social media posts, and statements. Read More

Same-Sex Catholic Couples and the Common Good: Do We Belong?

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By affirming that gay and lesbian people have a right to be included in the family, while at the same time affirming the possibility of legal recognition for same-sex couples, Pope Francis has opened space for thinking of us and our relationships at the very center of the family and the common good. Read More

In Civil Unions Support, Pope Francis Avoids Judgement Many Seek, Leaves Catholics to Discern

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Journalist and papal biographer Austin Ivereigh has offered his opinion about how to interpret Pope Francis' remarks supportive of same-gender civil unions, namely that the pope has once again refrained from judging and left the faithful to discern how to proceed. Read More

Theologian Suggests Papal Civil Union Support May Lead to Church Blessings

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A theologian has suggested that after Pope Francis endorsed civil unions, the church cannot deny any longer blessings to same-gender couples. Meanwhile, some bishops, episcopal conferences, and priests continue taking a more negative approach. Read More

Does Pope Francis’ Civil Union Support “Ring Hollow” or Is It a “Significant Step”?

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Commentaries on Pope Francis' remarks last month that reiterated his support for same-gender civil unions have continued to be published. Today's post features a handful of them with links provided for further reading. Read More

Archbishop Responding to Pope’s Civil Union Support: It Begins with the Human Person

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A U.S. archbishop has responded to the pope's support for civil unions recognizing same-gender couples in a more positive way, suggesting Francis' approach begins with the human person, not church teaching. But not all church leaders have responded similarly. Read More