In a surprise move by the head of the Catholic Church (not noted for its progressiveness), the Pope has come out in favour of same-sex civil unions.
“Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are the children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or made miserable over it. What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered. I stood up for that,” the Pope said in a documentary premiered yesterday in Rome.
The very idea might be shocking to some in the Catholic Church but someone should tell Francisco that that ship has sailed here in Ireland. It is a bold move for any Pope to be so conciliatory to gay people. Catholic doctrine on homosexuality is pretty shabby.
The Grindr scandal in Maynooth in 2016 showed up some difficulties with gay socialising within the priesthood. The seminarians who were found to have been active of the gay dating app were summarily sent to Rome. A move which, by all accounts, would be highly suitable for any gay man as rumours abound about the robustness of the gay scene in Rome just outside the Vatican’s walls.
While late to the party, Francisco’s words may provide some solace to gay people who are still sticking with the Church.
