Fr. Francis Lucas, the president of the Catholic Media Network, said Friday that the Pope’s support for the same-sex civil union is not yet the official stand of the Catholic Church.
For the first time, Pope Francis expressed support for the same-sex civil unions in the new documentary film “Francesco.”
“What we have to create is a civil union law. That way, they are legally covered,” the Pope said.
“Wala pang sinasabi ang Vatican na iyon ang stand ng Simbahan. The Pope said it in his interview, pero wala pang technical at legal na sinasabi ang Simbahan tungkol rito,” Lucas told Dobol B sa News TV.
“Hindi ito bahagi ng doktrina sa ngayon. Opinyon iyon ng Santo Papa,” he added.
However, Lucas said that the Catholic Church has been obvious in its stand that the dignity of all persons must be respected, including homosexuals.
“We should not mistreat homosexuals. Huwag natin sila pahirapan, lalo na roon within sa mga pamilya nila kasi iyon ang traditionally na nangyayari,” he said.
The Filipino priest added that it is possible that the Catholic Church would be open for discussions on giving legal protection to same-sex civil unions.
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Same-sex civil union not yet official Church stand
“Tingin ko, basta hindi gagalawin na iyong marriage ay between man and a woman, kasi sagrado iyon. Kung civil union, puwedeng pag-usapan in legal terms,” Lucas said.
Personally, Lucas said that he does not oppose legal protection for same-sex civil unions.
“Malinaw na ang dignidad ng lahat ng tao ay dapat ipagtanggol ng Simbahan,” Lucas added.
Meanwhile, Palace said Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte agreed on the Pope’s support for same-sex couples’ civil union.
Under civil union laws, same-sex couples can be protected by law, which current law does not provide.
But like Pope Francis, Duterte still does not want to give his blessing for same-sex marriage.