Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
1.4 billion Catholics the world over have been waiting to hear what Pope Francis has
to say about family and marriage.
His guidelines on family life were announced at the Vatican by leading Cardinals today.
Although the Pope was not there in person to explain exactly how his thoughts should
be interpreted.
On Divorce, he called for a Church less strict and more compassionate towards "imperfect"
Catholics saying "No one can be condemned forever"
He confirmed however that gay unions should not be seen as equal to heterosexual marriages
but said that homosexuals should still be respected within the church.
Discussing the need for "responsible parenthood" Pope Francis did not mention the church's
opposition to artificial contraception.
Instead saying couples in their conscience should make decisions about family size.
The Pope has criticised Church leaders in the past for burying their heads in the sand
over these challenging issues.
In his guidelines he appears to be giving some scope for different parts of the church
in different parts of the world to interpret the rules to reflect their own communities.