U.S. Bishops Urge Greater Online Protection for Children

Multiple leaders among the U.S. Catholic bishops came together earlier this week to encourage lawmakers to explore online protections for children, and now the bishops are encouraging Catholics nationwide to do the same.

Vatican Releases Suggestions for Lengthier, Revamped Marriage Preparation

Saying “superficial” marriage preparation programs leave many couples at risk of having invalid marriages or unprepared to cope with the struggles that arise in every marriage, Pope Francis endorsed suggestions for a yearlong “marriage catechumenate” drafted by the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.

U.S. Church Strengthening Support for Marriage Amid Declines

This climate includes an ever-changing perception of the importance of marriage in society. The 2021 American Family Survey by Desert News and Brigham Young University’s Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy, released Oct. 12, found “the numbers continue to see slight corrosion in the public’s evaluation of marriage as an institution.”

Pope Francis Has History of Defending Marriage, but Being Open to Some Civil Unions

Pope Francis often has expressed openness to the idea of laws recognizing civil unions, including for gay couples, to protect their rights. The pontiff’s comments in a brief passage in the documentary film, “Francesco,” are similar to the position he took while archbishop of Buenos Aires and echo remarks he has made in several interviews during his pontificate: “Marriage” is only between a man and a woman, but civil union laws could provide legal protection for couples in long-term, committed relationships.