Pope Francis waves to faithful at the end of the weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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.
Rowing-machine maker, Hydrow, raised $55 million in Series D funding round, led by Constitution Capital. Hyrdow offers a connected rowing machine that costs $2,495. The company's funding round comes as the at-home fitness industry is facing some challenges, due to many consumers returning to gyms after working out at home during the pandemic. Bruce Smith, founder & CEO of Hydrow, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Aviation expert Sally Gethin joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss the latest on the crash of a Boeing 737-800 NG in China, as investigators look for a reason for the sudden nosedive, and search for any sign of the 132 passengers onboard.
People can't get enough of 'The Dropout' and 'Inventing Anna.' Zoe Clews, founder of Zoe Clews & Associates, joins Cheddar News to discuss why people are obsessed with scammer narratives.
The popular video game franchise "Halo" is set to debut as a streaming TV series on Paramount+, and cast members Olive Gray and Yerin Ha joined Cheddar to talk about bringing the Xbox shooter to life in a new medium. "I think it's really just a story about humanity and hope," said Ha. "And I hope that people can really go along that journey and feel it, feel the love that we put into it."
Comedian Hannah Berner joins Cheddar News to discuss her career in stand-up and on social media, her wedding plans, and answers our 'berning' questions. "I think it's important to not have too clear a plan of what you want to do in life," she said. "You don't know what app is going to be popular in two years. So I just go by — I don't wanna be woo woo, but the energy, what makes me happy, what brings me joy."
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has assumed the role of an unlikely hero. Donning his iconic green t-shirt, the Ukrainian Leader has been praised for his relatable look and unique war-time approach as support pours in for his country under attack. Melinda Haring, deputy director, Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss Zelenskyy's rise from comedian to a leader on the world stage.
Turkish media reports say a second superyacht belonging to Chelsea soccer club owner and sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich has docked in a resort in southwestern Turkey.
Catching you up on what you Need to Know on Mar 23, 2022, as NATO meets in Brussels to discuss Ukraine, mortgage rates rise, Justin Trudeau is set to lead Canada until 2025, tornadoes sweep through Louisiana, California may do away with SATs, and a Starbucks in Seattle unionizes.
MacKenzie Scott donated $436 million to Habitat for Humanity International and 84 of its U.S. affiliates – the largest publicly disclosed donation from the billionaire philanthropist since she pledged to give away the majority of her wealth in 2019.
