Pope calls faithful to defend marriage
By Robin Pomeroy
REUTERS NEWS AGENCY
May 14, 2006

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Benedict XVI renewed his attack on homosexual "marriage" yesterday, saying Christians must defend marriage as a "pillar of humanity" benefiting both believers and nonbelievers.

Calling on the faithful to stand up for traditional notions of marriage and procreation in the face of moves to recognize same-sex unions, he said: "Such a witness can only stimulate politicians and legislators to safeguard the rights of the family.

"It's well-known that legal solutions like so-called 'civil unions' are gaining ever-greater acceptance, even if, while they exclude the responsibilities of marriage, they claim the same rights," he said in a speech to the Pontifical Council for the Family.

"Sometimes, there is the wish even to change the definition of marriage to legalize homosexual unions, granting them the right to adopt children."

The comments were stronger than remarks Benedict made two days ago, which were criticized by some members of Italy's incoming liberal government as unwanted interference in a political issue. the rest