Monday, Dec 23 2024 Donate
A service of EWTN News

Vatican cardinal calls for defense of marriage against legalization of civil unions

The president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, Cardinal Julian Herranz, called on legislators and judges this week to be creative in finding ways to defend individual rights without violating the principles that favor the family founded upon marriage.

In an interview with the Italian daily La Repubblica, the Spanish cardinal said, “The family cannot be confused with a ‘pact’ applied to civil unions,” referring to a proposal in Italy to grant them legal recognition.

Civil unions are already recognized in France, Norway, Sweden, Holland, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Croatia, Iceland, and Germany.  In Poland and Ireland proposals to legalize such unions are being debated. 

According to the cardinal, lawmakers have the duty to defend the common good, “and this applies to all nations.And the common good is achieved by constantly working to strengthen the institutions upon which society is based, among which first and foremost are marriage and the family,” he emphasized.

“Thus, all laws that favor the family based upon marriage are good.  Other laws that seek to weaken marriage and the family are not,” the cardinal warned.

He cited John Paul II’s repeated cautions against granting civil unions a status equal to marriage, and he recalled an address by Pope Benedict XVI in June of this year in which the Pope said that acceptance of various alternatives to marriage devalue the institution of marriage.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.

As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Click here

Our mission is the truth. Join us!

Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.

Donate to CNA