Pope Blesses Anti-Gay Spanish Mass; Says Traditional Families Must Be Defended As They Are “Authentic Sanctuaries Of Fidelity, Respect And Understanding

The Associated Press reports that Pope Benedict XVI blessed a mass said to celebrate the traditional family as the cornerstone of Christianity in downtown Madrid Sunday, the outdoor service held in Colon Square, conducted by Archbishop Antonio Rouco Varelea, backed by the conservative opposition party, the Popular Party, who oppose gay equality. Addressing the thousands in attendance via satellite, the Pope said that traditional families are the “authentic sanctuaries of fidelity, respect and understanding” and that are supported by “genuine servants of love that receives, accompanies, and defends life.” He urged the faithful “to be strong in love and to contemplate with humility the Mystery of the Nativity, which continues to speak to the heart and is converted into a school of family and fraternal life,” adding that “The motherly gaze of the Virgin Mary, the loving protection given by St. Joseph, and the sweet presence of the Child Jesus are a true image of what each Christian family should be.” Archbishop Varela condemned Spain’s Socialist government-led movement to equal rights, hallmarked by gay marriage, less restrictive divorce laws, and access to abortions, Varela saying “Whenever the true worth of matrimony and family values is questioned, negative consequences come forward rapidly.”