hello tv's video: Pope Francis voiced support for same-sex civil unions

As someone who was raised Catholic, reading these words from Pope Francis feels like progress. The church has a long way to go and this doesn’t erase the irreparable harm done to our community, but it's a step towards treating gays and lesbians with full dignity and respect. I'm reminded of my trip to the Vatican last year, when my husband Jerick Mediavilla and I were warned that holding hands could result in fines or worse. That experience was nothing compared to countless lives torn apart by homophobia. Unconditional love and acceptance is the answer. Transgender people are equally deserving of love and acceptance. I appreciate those like Fr. James Martin, SJ working to build bridges with LGBTQ people, not walls. Let's hope the Pope's words will cause those doing harm to our community in the name of the Catholic church to stop. 🛑 وصفهم بـ«أبناء الرب».. البابا فرانسيس، بابا الفاتيكان والكنيسة الكاثوليكية، يدعو لحماية المثليين وإقرار القوانين التي تتيح لهم الزواج وتكوين الأسر