Statement of Bishop Douglas Deshotel on Pope Francis’ Recent Comments
on Civil Unions

     Media reports have been surfacing following the release of a documentary film, “Francesco”, in which the Holy Father seemingly offered an opinion supporting civil rights of those persons in same sex civil unions. 
      Such an opinion offered within the context of a movie, even if offered by the successor of St. Peter, can in no way be considered official magisterial teaching.  While we wait for an official transcript of the Pope’s remarks, which can be taken out of context, I wish to reassure the faithful that the Holy Father’s statement does not change any doctrines of the Church which are drawn from Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. 
     All human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and are deserving of dignity and respect.  Marriage is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in which one man and one woman are united in an indissoluble bond open to the procreation and education of children.  All Christians are called to chastity according to their station in life.  Sexual activity outside of the marriage between one man and one woman is gravely immoral. 
      A summary of the official church teaching on the issue of same sex attraction and homosexual acts can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 2357-2359.

+Most Reverend J.  Douglas Deshotel, D.D.
Bishop of Lafayette

     The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics.
      This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy.