The media was abuzz this week about a new documentary by Evgeny Afineevsky entitled ‘Francesco’. It premiered in Rome on Wednesday, and it has been reported that the Pope said in the film: “Homosexual people have a right to be in a family,” … “They are 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.” To provide some clarity the SACBC have published the following statement:
Such a pity that something that has brought so much joy and relief to so many – and a new respect for Papa Francesco – has to be toiled over by men with a canon law precision – and then publicised. Isn’t this what Jesus was critical of? Sticking to the letter of the law and forgetting compassion and solidarity? Papa Francesco has shown himself to be a supporter of marriage and family life. Now he is showing support for our gay sisters and brothers and their families Ah well, as ever, two steps forward, one step back.