Pope’s plea for tolerance of divorcees

POPE Francis yesterday signalled his wish for divorced Roman Catholics to be treated more tolerantly, saying the church must not be a ‘roadblock’ for people who rebuild their lives after a failed marriage.

His plea for a more liberal attitude came as 270 bishops and cardinals gathered in Rome for a family synod which has been shaping up for months to be a battle between liberals and conservatives.

At an opening mass in St Peter’s yesterday, the pontiff reaffirmed that marriage is between a man and a woman and may not be dissolved, but said priests must help people facing separation and divorce.

‘The church must search out these persons, welcome and accompany them,’ he added. ‘A church with closed doors betrays herself and her mission and, instead of being a bridge, becomes a roadblock.’

The church currently ignores divorce but worshippers who remarry are seen as bigamists, barred from communion, and treated as second-class citizens by their priests.

Pope Francis has tried to encourage reforms but has failed to persuade most cardinals to embrace any major change.

Last month he acted unilaterally to change the rules and make it easier and faster to obtain marriage annulments.

Traditionalists will again resist what they see as an endorsement of divorce and also try to block any concession to gay rights.

On Saturday Vatican official Monsignor Krysztof Charamsa rocked the synod by coming out as gay and saying he had a boyfriend. He was instantly sacked.