Media: Pope's words about same-sex couples deliberately distorted
Pope Francis, the head of the RCC. Photo: VATICAN MEDIA
The phrase of the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, about the civil rights of same-sex couples in the documentary "Francesco" was deliberately translated incorrectly, reports TASS on Saturday, October 24, 2020, referring to a source close to the Vatican.
“In the film, an apparent distortion was made, and with very specific goals, in order to influence public opinion of the conservative Catholic wing in the United States before the elections,” the agency quoted the source as saying. “The Vatican conducted an internal investigation, which revealed that in the original interview in Spanish, the word "family" or "marriage" was never used, but "cohabitation (сivil union – Trans.)". The Pope talks about people in life partnerships who may have legal rights."
According to the source of the agency, we are talking about inheritance rights, sharing property, tax issues and social assistance, and “nothing of the above has anything to do with the family, traditional marriage, the foundations of which remain unbreakable, which Pope Francis has spoken of many times and which is constantly repeated in the Vatican."
In his opinion, "there is a clear attempt to discredit the pontiff, who is displeasing with his balanced and restrained policy on many international issues".
He explained that "Francis strictly adheres to the principle of non-interference of the Roman Catholic Church in politics and always suppresses attempts to drag the Church into political conflicts". In particular, he noted, the Vatican does not interfere in the affairs of the Orthodox Church, including in Ukraine.
“The Pope has always confined himself to calls for a peaceful resolution of civil crises, including in Venezuela, without taking sides. And certain circles do not like it,” resumed the agency's source.
As reported, in the documentary “Francesco” that premiered in Rome on October 21, 2020, the current head of the Vatican, Pope Francis, suggested legalizing same-sex civil unions.
Read also
Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training
Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Cherny, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.
Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again
A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.
OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience
More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.