The Diocese of Austin says it affirms the Church's teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman following Pope Francis' endorsement of same-sex civil unions.
Pope Francis gave his endorsement while being interviewed for a documentary that made its premiere at the Rome Film Festival on Wednesday.
“Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God," Pope Francis said. “What we have to have is a civil union law, that way they are legally covered.”
On Thursday, the Diocese of Austin released a statement affirming "the Church’s teaching that marriage is an indissoluble bond between one man and one woman."
The diocese interpreted Pope Francis' statement as one on the importance of "accompaniment."
"The Holy Father has consistently encouraged Catholics, and all people of good will, to accompany those in need of material and spiritual support. His comments do not change Christ’s teaching on marriage," the Diocese of Austin said in part.
Full statement:
“In light of the recent documentary, Francesco, in which Pope Francis reportedly mentions civil unions, the Diocese of Austin affirms the Church’s teaching that marriage is an indissoluble bond between one man and one woman.
Pope Francis’ thoughts likely flow from the importance of “accompaniment,” a running theme of his pontificate. The Holy Father has consistently encouraged Catholics, and all people of good will, to accompany those in need of material and spiritual support. His comments do not change Christ’s teaching on marriage.
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez calls each of us to reflect on the theme of pastoral accompaniment as a way to cultivate charity and grow together in wisdom and holiness.”
