Pope Francis listens to a priests introducing the group of faithful attending the weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020.
(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)LGBTQ Catholics and their allies in the U.S. welcomed Pope Francisโ endorsement of same-sex civil unions, the first time heโs done so as pontiff, while some prominent members including a bishop said Wednesday that he was blatantly contradicting church teaching.
โThe Popeโs statement clearly contradicts what has been the long-standing teaching of the Church about same-sex unions,โ Tobin said in a statement.
โIt is no overstatement to say that with this statement not only has the pope protected LGBTQ couples and families, but he also will save many LGBTQ lives,โ DeBernardo said.
โPope Francisโ words will highlight the inclusive, accepting essence of Christianity that so many people care about,โ said Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, a fellow with the faith initiative at the liberal Center for American Progress think tank.