By Nicole Winfield

Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time as pope while being interviewed for the feature-length documentary “Francesco,” which had its premiere at the Rome Film Festival on Wednesday.

The papal thumbs up came midway through the film that delves into issues he cares about most, including the environment, poverty, migration, racial and income inequality, and the people most affected by discrimination.

“Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God,” Francis said in one of his sit-down interviews for the film. “What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered.”

While serving as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis endorsed civil unions for gay couples as an alternative to same-sex marriages. However, he had never come out publicly in favor of civil unions as pope.

Director Evgeny Afineevsky had remarkable access to cardinals, the Vatican television archives, and the pope himself. He said he negotiated his way in through persistence, and deliveries of Argentine mate tea and Alfajores cookies that he got to the pope via some well-connected Argentines in Rome.

Share:
More In Culture
Rebuilding Our Roads
It’s no secret that America’s infrastructure is aging. The average American bridge is 43 years old. 49% of our streets and highways are in poor condition. That’s why rebuilding our roads is near the top of President Biden’s to-do list. But repaving is just surface level, some suggest we need to rethink the structures themselves.
Roads Abroad
We all know drivers in the UK drive on the left side of the road, but what if I told you that’s just where the differences begin. Europe and the United States have evolved to each have a unique set of rules of the road.
How TikTok's Reach Is Being Leveraged to Raise Funds for Animal Shelters
TikTok isn't just for remixing the best trending sounds. The social media platform is having a positive impact on animal shelters and helping pets find forever homes, according to Katie Grissum, the communications and design coordinator for the non-profit animal shelter charity KC Pet Project. Grissum joined Cheddar to break down just how TikTok is being used to raise money and draw more eyes to animals in need of adoption.
Oscar-Winner Alex Gibney Exposes ‘The Great Crime’ of the CIA’s Post-9/11 Torture Program
The upcoming HBO documentary, "The Forever Prisoner," zeros in on the Saudi-born Palestinian, and the failures of the CIA torture program. The documentary includes first-hand accounts, classified documents, never-before-seen images, interrogation notes, and testimony that you will have to see to believe. JD sat down with the mastermind behind the lens, director, and narrator of ' The Forever Prisoner,' Alex Gibney to discuss.
How Retailers and Cargo Carriers Can Make Real Change
The current supply chain crisis could last well into 2023. Some see this as an opportunity here for retailers to be early adopters of zero-emission technology. The 'Shady Routes' report highlights the relationship between retail companies and their cargo carriers, and how both can make real change from a public health and climate perspective. Angeline Robertson, senior researcher, Stand.Earth Research Group and Dawny'all Heydari, campaign lead, at Ship it Zero join Cheddar News.
Next Week on the Street: Earnings, Mosseri Testifies, Blue Origin Launch
Earnings season continues in the week of December 6 - 10, and that's only the start of a slate of events on the calendar that may move markets. We will also see executives from the crypto world and Instagram Head Adam Mosseri testify before members of Congress, and Square's name change to Block officially goes into effect.
Some U.S. Restaurants Are Pausing Online Delivery Orders During Peak Hours
Many restaurants across the country have lately turned off delivery and online orders during peak hours, as eateries are still struggling with labor shortages and as many are also seeing more customers return for in-person dining. Wall Street Journal reporter Heather Haddon joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
The Rise of Smart Tech and Voice Games; Warming Your Home Through Interior Design
On this episode of Your Future Home, Carmine Satabella, Interior Designer & Television Host, joins to break down how to get the most out of your winter decor this year and basic kitchen fundamentals that go a long way; Max Child, CEO and co-founder of Volley, discusses the rise of voice games and how tech is continuing to change smart homes; Cheddar breaks down everything you need to know about how to start flipping homes.
Load More