Even mention a bit of this.

I mean, I understand that it is so that transfer of property can happen.

As trial balloons go, this is indeed flabbergasting. And heartening.

He simply said that some states try to justify them on the basis of health and tax benefits. He is not supporting them or suggesting he might.

Just back of the bus bigotry. I'm whelmed.

You are absolutely right - this isn't enough. But for an organziation that has fought hard to keep their rights to discriminate against LGBT community, Civil Unions are first step in the right direction.

If you think about it a decade ago Civil Unions was the best that we could get states to pass for LGBT couples. But those Civil Unions were a major stepping stone that pushed our country forward to marriage equality. Every year we have more states either passing marriage equality or having the courts over-rule anti-marriage equality laws. Rarely are Civil Unions even discussed in regard to state laws - it's all

What the Pope said today is huge but you are right - it isn't enough. I just hope this is the first step of many to get the Catholic Church to recognize Marriage Equality.

speaking as an atheist and ex-Catholic VERY hostile to the church, it is an encouraging sign.

That said, stop with the sticking Papal toes in the water and just jump. After the initial shock, the water's fine (this observation not valid in West Virginia).

still defends the churches handling of pedophilia in their ranks

"Statistics on the phenomenon of violence against children are shocking, but they also clearly show the great majority of abuses occur in family and neighborhood settings," Pope Francis said. "The Catholic Church is perhaps the only public institution to have acted with transparency and responsibility. No one else has done more. And yet the church is the only one attacked."

On edit: this was from the same article linked in the OP

And he continues to spout bigotry instead of speaking out against the vicious laws in Uganda, where he is leader of the largest religious group, nearly half of Uganda. Not a word has he spoken against what is being done.
He is so morally absent that I am not sure if it is pure corruption or simply an ignorant contempt for others that guides this man.
Tolerate us indeed. 'Could tolerate some'. Unreal.

-Laelth

...least of all their own bodies.

"Smack a gag on them nuns, wouldja, Cardinal? People can't hear our soothing rhetoric."

cynically,
Bright

Due to the fact that there is no recognition that same sex can love each other as in a man/woman marriage.

He only touches on the economic and medical impact. Maybe he makes the necessary steps that results in recognition that same sex couples seek.

But again imo it is not his decision/power on whether governments should allow same sex marriages. If he wants to restrict marriages within his religion that is fine by me. But to make that decision for everyone and for those that take the choice to have a civil ceremony instead of religious ceremony so they can marry.