Mumbai: “There’s no change in the church doctrine,” said Bombay Archbishop and President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India — His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias — over the recent comments of the Holy Father on homosexual person’s right to a family.
The Holy Father’s comments that were incorporated in a just released film “Francesco” has been misunderstood and misinterpreted.
The cardinal further stated that the Pope Francis’ comments was in full consonance with the church, and what he had repeatedly said: show compassion, reach out to the peripheries, protect the weak, etc.
Elaborating, Cardinal Oswald added, “It is clear the Pope Francis is referring to the family of birth, adding that such a person should not be thrown out of the family, because of the sexual orientation.
Regarding “civil unions,” the Holy Father was of the opinion that some protection need to be given to those living together. The church’s position is not a call for gay marriages to be recognized, and certainly not the Catholic church’s recognition, added the release from the Cardinal’s office.
It went on to add that the church’s doctrine was drawn from Sacred Scripture and tradition, which is very clear and has not been diluted in any way.
What the Pope had in mind during his reflection was his concern for these people whose interests need to be safeguarded through some form of civil protection such as insurance, social security, etc., the release added.