by jimmyakin
In 2010, Cardinal Bergoglio spoke out forcefully against homosexual "marriage." What was his position on "civil unions" for homosexuals?
There have been a flurry of stories reporting that, in 2010, when he was still a cardinal, Pope Francis supported the idea of civil unions for homosexuals.
What are we to make of this?
A starting point is trying to get the facts on the matter, as best they can be known.
According to press accounts, back in 2010 when the Argentine government was in the process of approving homosexual “marriage,” then-Cardinal Bergoglio suggested the possibility of civil unions for homosexuals as a way of keeping homosexual marriage from being made legal.
He was absolutely adamant on the impermissibility of homosexual marriage, stating:
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"In the coming weeks, the Argentine people will face a situation whose outcome can seriously harm the family… This is not simply a political struggle, but an attempt to destroy God’s plan. It is not just a bill but a move of the Father of Lies, who seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God.” |
Apparently, his discussion of civil unions occurred in a meeting among the Argentine bishops in which they were strategizing how to block homosexual marriage.
The others, apparently, voted against Cardinal Bergoglio’s suggestion, and it wasn’t acted on publicly.
Some, including a homosexual activist, have said that the cardinal discussed it with them in private, however.