It has been reported that Pope Francis recently made remarks supporting same-sex civil unions in the context of a secular documentary film. A secular documentary film is not a typical, nor appropriate venue to offer definitive teaching on matters of faith and morals. Regardless, the pope’s affirmation of the dignity of all people and his call for respect of all people are rooted in Catholic teaching. These recent comments cannot, however, alter in any way what the Church has received from our Lord, namely that, the marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1660).

Bishop Luis R. Zarama, JCL