Celebrities react to Pope Francis’ endorsement of same-sex civil union laws
For the first time ever, Pope Francis expressed his support for same-sex civil union laws in the documentary Francesco, which premiered at the Rome Film Fest on Wednesday. It was an announcement that has signaled a shift for the Catholic church.
In the documentary, the Pope said: “Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God. You can’t kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this.” He also added, “What we have to do is the civil union law, and it is legally covered.”
Pope Francis’ endorsement was met with a wide range of reactions—the LGBTQ community and their allies are hopeful, while some say that he was blatantly contradicting church teaching.
Following the major news, celebrities and key people used social media to voice their thoughts.
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres wrote on Twitter: "Thank you, Pope Francis, for seeing love for what it is."
Thank you, Pope Francis, for seeing love for what it is.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) October 21, 2020
Actress Kerry Washington, who also happens to be a Pope herself—Scandal's Olivia Pope, that is, also applauded the Pope.
From one Pope to another....?????? https://t.co/XBOPfuxo3m pic.twitter.com/qFDtVbr4U7
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) October 21, 2020
Lea Salonga also thanked the Pope, adding the hashtag #LoveIsLoveIsLove.
Thank you, @Pontifex. Thank you. #LoveIsLoveIsLove https://t.co/2CBO2hd9oX
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) October 21, 2020
Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik also shared her happiness on Twitter, saying it's a "historic moment" and an "incredible decision".
YES!!!! This is a historic moment and incredible decision by the Pope. Never thought I’d see this day, but I'm so glad I did. ?❤️ #LoveIsLove #DopePope https://t.co/y2QZmqs1QM
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) October 21, 2020
Perez Hilton said he'd go to church again "when it's safer to do so" after learning about the news.
Love is love! And I love U! #PopeFrancis
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) October 21, 2020
Check out my first-ever curated box! It’s gonna sell out! Get more info at https://t.co/ZRsvHd8di1 pic.twitter.com/SrJSLPVApR
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Eileen Davidson, who was raised in a Catholic community, expressed her happiness in social media.
As someone who was raised in the Catholic Church, wore that plaid skirt all those years, what @Pontifex said about gays and civil union is HUGE! The God I believe in, the Jesus I know? loves EVERYONE equally. Thank you Pope Francis! @loveislove
— Eileen Davidson (@eileen_davidson) October 22, 2020
Banner image from Anna Schvets, Pexels