A message to the faithful of the archdiocese from Archbishop Michael Jackels
22 October 2020.
Statement of Archbishop Jackels on the Pope’s comment about civil unions.
Much, too much is being made about a comment related to same-sex relationships by Pope Francis in a documentary film about him released on 21 October 2020:
“Homosexual people have a right to be in a family. They are children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it. What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered.”
People critical of same-sex marriage are raising an alarm, while those in favor of it are applauding the comment. But the comment really doesn’t merit the response that either party is giving it; this was not a magisterial moment, when the Pope invoked his teaching authority.
The Pope’s main point, in defense of human dignity, seems to be that families love their children, even if they are engaged in a same-sex relationship. He seems also to make the point, in defense of human rights, that people in a longterm, stable relationship should enjoy some legal and economic guarantees.
Catholic teaching is that Holy Matrimony is a permanent, faithful, and fruitful union entered into freely by one man and one woman.
Pope Francis has not and is not changing Church teaching. He is on record
defending Holy Matrimony, and resisting efforts to redefine it.
Archbishop Michael Jackels
Archbishop of Dubuque