Reaction to #PopeFrancis’ same-sex unions remarks - including the question of when he made them and to whom - underline some important points about this papacy.

Francis refuses to be scripted, and has not changed the direct pastoral approach he adopted in Argentina

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This makes some people nervous.

In communications, the Pope is willing to bypass the central Church machinery and has given far more media interviews than his predecessors.

Francis wants to reach as wide an audience as possible, even it means upsetting some Catholics.

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His remarks on gays have, unsurprisingly, upset hardliners. But the position Francis' articulated is shared by bishops across the world.

The Pope is distinguishing between civil legislation & a sacramental understanding of marriage. He is not changing doctrine.

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Those attacking the Pope for what he said, are silent on the civil rights of gay people.

Laws giving legal protections to same-sex couples will not go away by waging a crusade against them.

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In some countries. the rights of gay people are a life or death matter. Francis has placed the Church firmly against unjust discrimination of LGBT people.

And the Pope is willing to “break a few plates” to ensure he communicates this Gospel-based message of compassion.

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