ROME: Pope Francis became the first pontiff to endorse same-sex civil unions in comments for a documentary that premiered on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), sparking cheers from gay Catholics and demands for clarification from conservatives. However, he had never come out publicly in favor of civil unions as pope, and no pontiff before him had, either. In Manila, Malacañang said President Rodrigo Duterte is in favor of same-sex civil union. Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said “recognition of same-sex union has always been supported” by Duterte. Pope Francis’ endorsement of same-sex civil unions drew mixed reactions in the Philippines, Asia’s bastion of Catholicism.

Source: Manila Times October 22, 2020 16:20 UTC