Pope Francis defends 'traditional' marriage ahead of Italy civil unions vote

Pontiff says God wants 'indissoluble matrimony that unites and allows procreation' as senate prepares to debate rights for same-sex couples Pope Francis has issued a reminder of the Catholic Church's opposition to gay marriage as a fierce debate rages in Italy ahead of a vote that would give legal recognition to homosexual couples. On Thursday, the senate is due to resume debating a bill that would legalise civil partnership for gay people as well as for unmarried heterosexual couples. Many oppo...