Pope says we shouldn’t get confused about marriage

The normally quite progressive Pope Francis has stepped into the controversial debate that is raging in Italy inviting legal recognition of homosexual couples, and it is traditional marriage that he is supporting loudly.

“There can be no confusion between the family God wants and any other type of union,” he said to the Vatican’s judges, showing his concern for the tide of support that is raging towards legislation that may eventually lead to the legalisation of gay marriage.

“The family, founded on indissoluble matrimony that unites and allows procreation, is part of God’s dream and that of his Church for the salvation of humanity,” he said in an address to members of the Vatican court that rules on marriage annulments, which was reporting in the Australian.

Italy is confronting the issue that Australia has not yet managed to, seeking the legalisation of civil partnership of homosexual couples.  Most believe this will lead to gay marriage becoming possible in the future.

Italy is one of the last western countries to provide protection and rights to same-sex couples and it is said that the Vatican’s presence is one of the causes.

The legislation goes to the vote on the 28th January in Italy’s upper house and the position of the Church is very clear.  They want the world to ignore the rights of homosexual couples in favour of acknowledging traditional marriage only.

How do you feel about the Pontiff’s position on this big issue?  Do you think the traditional face of the family is destined to be eroded and should be or should be protected by our religious leaders at all cost?