Vatican: Gay Marriage a ‘Defeat for Humanity’

The Vatican's secretary of state said the Irish referendum approving gay marriage last weekend was a "defeat for humanity." At a press conference Tuesday, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said, "I think that you cannot just talk of a defeat for Christian principles, but of a defeat for humanity.” Parolin said the church must "strengthen its commitment to evangelization" as a result. The Guardian notes the reaction was different from the archbishop of Dublin. “It is very clear that if this referendum is an affirmation of the views of young people … [then the church needs] a reality check,” he said. With 62 percent in favor, Ireland became the first country to legalize same-sex unions by popular vote.