PHOENIX — For the first time ever, a Pope is voicing his support for same-sex civil unions.
In a new documentary, Pope Francis calls for civil union law so gay people can have legal standing.
In an interview for the documentary that was released in Rome, Pope Francis said, "Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God. You can't kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this. What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered."
It’s welcome news for Patrick Maldonado, who attends St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Phoenix.
“It’s a natural God-given right, I believe, and I think it’s about time the Catholic Church finally recognizes,” said Maldonado.
Jeremy Helfgot, the spokesperson for Phoenix Pride, said the moment is a big one for the gay community.
“When you consider that some of this doctrine has been held for hundreds if not thousands of years… a step towards progress is a movement in the right direction.”
He’d like to eventually see those words turn official. Prior guidance from the Vatican’s doctrine office in 2003 says the church cannot approve of homosexual behavior or legal recognition of homosexual unions.
“Even though it’s not doctrine yet it does provide some hope going forward,” said Helfgot.
“What he says reverberates through the entire world,” said Maldonado.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix said in a statement:
“We are aware of the many reports of Pope Francis making a statement about same-sex couples and civil unions in the context of a documentary interview. We are unaware of any official statement by the Holy Father or the Holy See about this interview. The beauty and God-given nature of Marriage being between one man and one woman remains unchanged, and unchangeable, as does the inherent dignity of all human beings, who are made in the image and likeness of God. We await further clarification from the Holy See on what is being reported in the news about Pope Francis’ statement about civil unions.”
