Pope urges support for family based on marriage between man and woman

(May 16, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI on Friday hit out against same-sex marriage and other irregular unions, stressing that the family based on the marriage between a man and a woman is the true foundation and good of the human race. He was speaking to some 200 members of the Forum of Family Associations and the European Federation of Catholic Family Associations, that organized a meeting on Thursday to mark the United Nations’ sponsored International Day of Families, May 15. “The story of the love and union between a man and a woman has been regarded by God as the sign of the story of salvation,” the Pope said, adding, “It is precisely because of this, that the union of life and love, based on marriage between a man and woman, that makes up the family, represents an irreplaceable good for the entire society, and should not be mistaken equated with other forms of unions. Pope Benedict recalled this year’s observance of the 40th anniversary of the pro-life encyclical, Humanae Vitae, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Charter of the Rights of the Family promulgated by the Holy See. While the encyclical urges us to go against the current cultural trend of selfish love in marriage that is close to life, the charter draws attention to the inalienable rights that enable the family, based on the marriage of man and woman, to be the natural cradle of human life. Pope Benedict said the Pope of the family, John Paul II, often repeated the words, “The future of humanity passes by way of the family.” “A political action that that looks far ahead into the future cannot but place the family at the centre of its attention and planning,” the Pope said. He acknowledged the great challenges and difficulties that families face today, especially those in worryingly precarious state that silently cry out for help from civil authorities, ecclesial communities and educational agencies. The Holy Father called for joining forces to bring these families the social, economic, as well juridical and spiritual help they need.