In the latest display of his desire to make the Catholic Church more accepting and inclusive, Pope Francis officiated the marriage ceremony of 20 couples on Sunday-blessing even those who have already cohabitated, as well as those who have conceived children during their years of living together.

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In a report from Radio Vaticana, the official broadcasting service of the Church, the celebration on Sunday was the first ceremony officiated by the Argentine pontiff in his 18-month-old reign. Throughout the wedding, Pope Francis guided every couple in their vows. One of the couples who admitted to already having borne children from living together, Guido and Gabriella, shared their joy at being granted the opportunity to be married by the pope himself despite their situation. Prior to the ceremony, the couple thought of this day as an impossibility.

"The people getting married on Sunday are couples like many others," shared the diocese of Rome in a statement. "Some already live together, some already have children," he added.

Apart from being the first non-European pope chosen after 1,300 years, Pope Francis has also been recognized for his more radical stances on various controversial issues. One of his most highly debatable stand is his tolerance for homosexuality. In declaring his openness to what is considered as a traditionally taboo issue by the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has set himself apart from his predecessors. With respect to his reactions to this particular concern, the pope asked "who am I to judge?" He further tells anti-gay advocates that is not in the position to express prejudice against anyone "who seeks God and has good will".

In addition, Pope Francis has called on the Catholic Church to put an end to its fixation with delivering speeches condemning those who are pro-abortion, homosexuality, and contraception. He advised the faithful followers to act with more mercy or risk collapsing "like a house of cards".

This stance of Pope Francis evidently contradicts the stand of Pope Benedict, his direct predecessor. In an earlier statement, the German pope said that homosexuals are hazards to the traditional family. Moreover, he feared that homosexuality would destabilize mankind's future.    

In October, the Vatican will be welcoming bishops from all nations for a major gathering conducted to discuss matters regarding the family, which Pope Francis described on Sunday as the "bricks" on which man builds his society. The particular issues up for discussion include marriage, divorce, and contraception. The event will last from October 5 to October 19.

TagsPope Francis, wedding, marriage, Catholic Church, Vatican, Argentina, Rome, Pope Benedict, contraception, Abortion, homosexuality