Supporting LGBTQ Rights: Pope Francis and Benedict’s Unified Stance

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis revealed a surprising supporter‌ in his ​stance on civil partnerships for ⁤same-sex ​couples, as he disclosed in a forthcoming book set to be released in Spain.

Although the book ⁤is scheduled for publication on Wednesday, its contents were shared in advance⁣ on Tuesday with various media outlets, including Reuters.

While ⁤reiterating the Catholic Church’s opposition to LGBTQ ​marriages, ⁢Francis has consistently ​emphasized the need for same-sex⁣ couples to be safeguarded by civil union laws.

Throughout his 11-year papacy, Francis ​has been recognized for his increased acceptance of the LGBTQ community, a stark contrast to the more traditional views held by Benedict XVI.

Despite their ‍differences, Francis recounted how⁣ Benedict defended him against⁤ a group of cardinals⁣ who accused him of supporting same-sex marriage, clarifying that his statements were not heretical.

The details of ⁤this interaction were shared by ⁣Francis in the book “Pope Francis. The ‌Successor: My memories of Benedict XVI,” ⁣which was based​ on interviews ⁣conducted by journalist Javier Martinez-Brocal.

Earlier in February 2023, Francis had mentioned a similar incident where Benedict dismissed complaints about his remarks on civil unions.

Same-sex ⁤blessings

In⁤ a controversial move in December, Francis permitted priests to bless same-sex couples, sparking criticism from conservatives who argued that it did not signify formal approval of non-heterosexual relationships.

There is no⁣ indication that Francis ​consulted with Benedict regarding this decision, as Benedict ⁤continued‌ to reside in the Vatican until his passing in late 2022.

In the book, Francis dismissed any rumors of personal conflicts with his predecessor during the unique “two popes” era.

He also⁢ acknowledged a strained relationship with Benedict’s secretary, Archbishop Georg‍ Gaenswein, who published a critical book on Francis shortly after Benedict’s funeral.

Expressing his disappointment, Francis remarked, “To release a book that criticizes me on the⁣ day of the ⁣funeral, spreading falsehoods, is truly disheartening.”

At 87 years old and facing declining health, Francis discussed his funeral arrangements, confirming plans to simplify burial rites for himself and future popes.

He disclosed that​ deceased popes will no longer be publicly displayed lying in state before being ‌placed in a coffin, a departure from the tradition observed for ⁢Benedict and previous⁣ pontiffs.

Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Oil Refineries in Bold Attacks

A recent series of bold attacks on Russian oil refineries by Ukrainian drones has caught the attention of the international community. The most recent attack, which took place at the Rosneft refinery in Ryazan, Russia, more than 500 km away from Ukraine, was part of a concerted effort by Ukraine to target Russian oil facilities with long-range drones.

The use of drones with advanced capabilities, including basic artificial intelligence (AI), has allowed Ukrainian forces to carry out these precision attacks. The drones are equipped with sensors and computer vision technology, enabling them to navigate autonomously and target specific areas with incredible accuracy.

Experts believe that these targeted attacks on Russian refineries, as opposed to random strikes, are intended to maximize the impact on Russia’s economy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that these attacks are aimed at defunding the Russian war machine and exploiting vulnerabilities in Russia’s energy sector.

The attacks have already had a significant impact on global oil prices, with Brent crude rising nearly 13% this year. While US officials have expressed concern about the economic impact of the attacks, Ukrainian authorities have signaled their intention to continue targeting Russian oil facilities to reduce Moscow’s budget revenues.

Despite US efforts to discourage Ukraine from attacking Russian energy infrastructure, the stalemate in Washington on funding for Ukraine and the upcoming change in the White House next year could give Kyiv more room to maneuver. Ukrainian officials have indicated that they will not back down from targeting Russian oil facilities, including major export ports, which could have a devastating impact on Russia’s oil exports.

The situation remains complex, with experts warning of potential escalation and broader implications for global energy markets. As the conflict continues to unfold, the world is watching closely to see how Ukraine’s drone attacks will shape the outcome of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.

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