[CA Conservative]

I am not Catholic, but if you have a couple living together outside of marriage, wouldn’t you WANT them to get married instead of continuing to just live together - especially if children are involved? I am not sure that would be considered “progressive”, as some are suggesting.

[utahagen]

I agree with you, except that to be married by the POPE — as opposed to an ordinary priest, away from the press — is a special honor — not officially, but certainly in the eyes of the world — and to give such an honor to people who have been shacking up sends a message that overshadows the one that you and I agree upon: that the couple should get married.

[steve86]

I am not Catholic, but if you have a couple living together outside of marriage, wouldn’t you WANT them to get married instead of continuing to just live together - especially if children are involved?

Nice if they were to get married -- I guess -- but it isn't a Catholic marriage. People outside the Church << possibly to include the current pope >> don't understand this.