Pope Francis has reaffirmed that marriage is a sacramental relationship between a man and a woman within the Catholic Church.
Monsignor Joji Vadakara, Vatican City
Returning from the end of his 34th apostolic voyage to Budapest and Slovakia, Pope Francis reiterated the Catholic Church’s position on marriage in an interview with reporters on board.
In the European Parliament, the pope’s comment on the September 14 resolution calling for the adoption of a resolution recognizing same – sex marriage and related parental relationships was asked by the pope’s, Stefano Maria Paci, who represented Sky TV’s TG24 (Television News24) program, Stefano Maria Paci. The pope added that the church has no authority to make changes in the sacraments instituted by the Lord.
The pope said there are civil laws that seek to help people of different sexual orientations, and that such aids should be made without trying to impose on the church things that are not in accordance with the nature and laws of the church.
“If gay couples decide to live together, nations have the power and potential to help and protect them,” he said. The pope said God wants the salvation of all, but urged nations not to ask the church to deny her official truths.
Pope Benedict emphasized that many homosexuals approach the clergy through confession and counsel, and that the Church helps them.
