Speaking in the Philippines, Pope Francis made one of his strongest calls as pope against movements to recognize same-sex unions as marriage, Catholic News Service reported.
"The family is also threatened by growing efforts on the part of some to redefine the very institution of marriage," the pope said Jan. 16, hours after warning that Philippine society was "tempted by confusing presentations of sexuality, marriage and the family."
The pontiff made his remarks at a Mass in Manila's cathedral and then at a meeting with families in the city's Mall of Asia Arena.
At the latter event, the pope called on his listeners to resist "ideological colonization that threatens the family." The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, said later that the pope was referring to same-sex marriage, among other practices.
In the past, Francis said marriage must be between a man and a woman, MSNBC noted. However, progressive Catholics have applauded his prior remarks on homosexuality, reproductive rights and the role of women.
In a statement, pro-LGBT Catholic group DignityUSA expressed its dismay at what the pope said. "DignityUSA is disturbed and disappointed by Pope Francis' remarks in the Philippines referring to support for same-sex marriage as 'ideological colonization…that is trying to destroy the family,'" said the organization's executive director, Marianne Duddy-Burke.
"Especially in light of the more welcoming and sensitive tone on LGBT issues that the Pope has taken over the past two years, it is disconcerting to hear a phrase that is a hallmark of extreme right-wing religious leaders and politicians coming from the leader of the Catholic Church," she added.
The original article is at www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1500200.htm .
Related item at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Gay-Catholics-differ-with-Popes-remark-on-gay-marriage-/50231.html .