2024-04-03 05:03:47
Pope Francis has found an ally in his predecessor Benedict XVI when he spoke in favor of civil unions for same-sex couples, according to a new book published today in Spain, Reuters reported.
Francis has reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage, but has repeatedly reiterated that same-sex couples have the right to be protected by civil union laws.
Greater openness to the LGBT community was one of the hallmarks of Francis’ 11-year pontificate, while the more conservative Benedict was not known to be sympathetic to the cause, BTA reported.
However, Francis revealed in the Spanish-published book “Pope Francis. The Heir: My Memories of Benedict XVI”, based on interviews with journalist Javier Martínez-Brockal, that his predecessor had interceded for him to an unnamed group of cardinals who went to him, to complain about the “heresy” of same-sex civil partnerships.
“They accused me before him (Benedict) of supporting same-sex marriage,” Francis recounts in the book.
Benedict listened to them, “helped them distinguish things” and told them that what Francis said “is not heresy,” the pope continued.
In December, Francis allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, sparking outrage among conservative circles in the Catholic Church. He insisted that this did not mean an official endorsement of non-heterosexual relationships.