As the first week of the Synod of Bishops on the family is underway at the Vatican, Archbishop Georg Gänswein has reaffirmed Church doctrine on Holy Matrimony.
The prefect of the Pontifical Household and private secretary of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI insisted not only that marriage cannot be dissolved, but also that «starting a new union contradicts what the Lord has indicated,» reported Italian News Agency ANSA.
In an interview with Chi magazine, the senior prelate made the remarks, in an interview in which he also commented on homosexuality.
«Gays must be received with respect but their [sexual] acts are contrary to natural law,» he said.
Moreover, he added, “The Church must have the courage to express its convictions as otherwise it would not be in the service of truth.»
When asked about possibly allowing divorced people who are civilly remarried receive Communion, the German archbishop said, «This is a very delicate question, at stake is the sacramental matrimony that according to Catholic doctrine cannot be dissolved, just like the love of God for man.»
«As far as I can see,” Archbishop Ganswein said, “Pope Francis is following the line of his predecessors, whose teaching on matrimony is very clear.»
