Pope Francis' Words Could Embolden Opposition to Mexico's Push for Marriage Equality Rafa Fernandez De Castro - Fusion
go to original September 30, 2016

Pope Francis delivers his homily during an Epiphany Mass at St. Peter's Basilica (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)    

Mexico’s conservative movement against same-sex marriage seems to have gained a holy backer.

During last Sunday’s mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis said a few words that are being interpreted by many Mexicans as a show of support for those leading the fight against marriage equality in the Aztec nation.

“I adhere myself in good will with the bishops of Mexico to sustain the Church’s commitment to civil society in favor of the family and life, that during this time require special pastoral and cultural attention around the world,” Francis said.

The pope’s words are being touted by Mexico’s recently revived conservative movement, which has found new strength in its efforts to oppose same sex marriage. That’s why the pope’s message, which could boost the anti-gay movement even more, come as a particularly bitter blow to gay Catholics, who have been fighting for a more inclusive Church and society in Mexico.

“The timing of the pope’s message is very painful. It hurts me,” said 29-year-old LGBTQ rights supporter Saúl Espino. “He’s leaving us alone when we most need him. However, I also understand there is a lot of political manipulation in the high spheres of the Vatican.”

Espino says, “As a catholic and a homosexual, I’ve always tried to further an agenda within the Church that avoids polarization between both communities.” But it’s not always easy, especially when the Mexican archdiocese is “using social anger to further a very clear political agenda.”

“They’ve turned same-sex marriage into a conceptual scarecrow,” he said.

Read the rest at Fusion

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