The end is nigh - Pope endorses same-sex civil unions in new documentary. Pope Francis spoke out in favor of same-sex civil unions, saying that homosexuals were "children of God and have a right to a family." Commenting on the issue in a documentary, the pontiff called for a civil union law. Pope Francis has made his most explicit endorsement of same-sex partnerships since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church. The remarks are shown in a new documentary that premiered on Wednesday. In the film, the pontiff urged a "civil union law" that would allow LGBT+ people to "be in a family." "They are children of God and have a right to a family," he said in the documentary "Francesco" which premiered at the Rome Film Festival. "Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it." The now-pope already spoke out in favor of civil unions while serving as archbishop of Buenos Aires. He lauded such partnerships as an alternative to gay marriage, but opposed same-sex marriage itself. However, this is the first time that the 83-year-old pontiff publicly endorsed same-sex unions since taking the papal seat. "What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered. I stood up for that," the pope added. https://www.dw.com/en/pope-endorses-same-sex-civil-unions-in-new-documentary/a-55349636