Just days ago, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage. Justice Anthony Kennedy’s powerful majority opinion has been circulating the social media world in support of this ruling.
“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”
The question remains: what is Pope Francis’ perspective regarding this monumental decision? Though Pope Francis appears to be inclusive of beliefs differing from traditional Catholicism, he has yet to address the issue directly. This may reflect the difficult position he finds himself in. If Pope Francis were to voice an opinion in favor of same-sex marriage, he could potentially transition the Catholic Church’s traditional beliefs to a more progress and inclusive Vatican. Alternatively, if he opposes the Supreme Court ruling, he may cause a rift between the Vatican and more progressive Catholics who support same-sex marriage. While this subdivision of Catholics believe in the main tenets of their faith, they also believe in people’s right to happiness. This latter group may be mirroring the Pope’s views, thus explaining his decision to remain mum on the issue for now.
It is no surprise that Catholic entities oppose same-sex marriage. In fact, Pope Francis reaffirms this teaching by explicitly stating marriage is between a man and woman. Nonetheless, Pope Francis is among the most liberal popes in Vatican history. When questioned about homosexual priests in 2013, the pope responded, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Furthermore, a secondary source relays the Pope’s belief that it is best to understand why homosexuality appeals to some people rather than swiftly condemn the act. Despite his inclusive tendencies, Pope Francis’ loyalties ultimately lie with traditional Catholics. Earlier this year while visiting the Philippines, he said, “The family is also threatened by growing efforts on the part of some to redefine the very institution of marriage, ultimately condemning same-sex marriage.” Though he may be among the more progressive popes the Vatican has seen, Pope Francis ultimately opposed same-sex marriage.
Nonetheless, Pope Francis has not specifically addressed the Supreme Court decision at this time. While he may genuinely want what is best for humanity whether or not he personally shares their beliefs, his silence during the United States’ celebration indicates that he wants to do so in a way that the Vatican will support him in the process. A sharp disagreement with the Vatican could undermine Pope Francis’ progress to date in modernizing and humanizing the Catholic Church.
