Pope Francis becomes the first pope to endorse same-sex civil unions in a documentary that premiered last Wednesday.

In the documentary, “Francesco”, which made its first showing at the Rome Film Festival, issues facing the planet were showcased to Francis. Issues like, global warming, poverty, immigration, and discrimination also including a conversation on the LGBTQIA+ and same sex marriage.

“Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God,”Francis said. “You can’t kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this. What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered.” 

Conservatives demand a clarification from the pope, while gay catholics cheer. Given the vatican’s official stance on the issue, this is controversial to say the least. 

Brian Poth, Executive Director at The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, commented, “I think it says a lot that the Pope is willing and ready to validate LGBT+ people in their relationships, its’ very exciting for LGBT+ people of faith. It speaks to more inclusion and acceptance, we only hope that it leads to more christian communities affirming and accepting LGBT+ people.”

What do you think of this historic moment both for the Catholic Church and LGBTQIA+ people? Let us know below.