Pope Francis Steps Into Mexican Debate Over Same-Sex Marriage Billy Hallowell - Deseret News
go to original October 6, 2016

Pope Francis pictured holding his weekly general audience in Vatican City (AFP/Getty)

Pope Francis is standing behind bishops and clergy who oppose a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage in Mexico.

The pontiff offered up prayers on September 25, telling the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square that standing up for the family unit is essential, according to Vatican Radio.

"I am very happy to associate myself with the Bishops of Mexico, in supporting the commitment of the church and of civil society in favor of the family and of life, which in this time require special pastoral and cultural attention in all the world," he said.

These comments — made during Pope Francis' weekly blessing – come as Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto attempts to legalize gay nuptials.

Nieto's proposal has sparked a plethora of debate, with tens of thousands of people — organized by a group called National Front for the Family — marching through the streets in Mexico City on Sunday, wearing white and holding signs opposing same-sex marriage, The Associated Press reported.

Gay rights advocates held their own opposing protests as well, carrying signs that read "I'm gay and I'm a Catholic" and "We also have families," among other related counter messages.

According to the BBC, same-sex marriage is now legal in some Mexican states, but Nieto's proposal would change the country's constitution to allow gay nuptials across the country — a proposal critics are pushing back against.

Read the rest at NewsOK

Related: Peña Nieto Reiterates Mexico's Secularism in Meeting with Church Leaders (El Universal)

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!