Pope Francis on Civil Rights

Christians owe apologies to gays and others

The Pope spoke expansively, saying the church should seek forgiveness for a number of historical slights: "I believe that the church not only should apologize to the person who is gay whom it has offended," he added, "but has to apologize to the poor, to exploited women, to children exploited for labor."

The Pope's comments came in response to a question about a German Cardinal who said the Catholic Church should apologize for being "very negative" about gays.

Doesn't support breaking law to stop gay marriage

The video shows Grassi embracing the pope and introducing him to the other guests. "We've taken up too much of your time," Grassi says in Spanish. "No, by God, thanks for coming by," the pope replies.

A Vatican spokesperson confirmed that the meeting took place: "The Pope, as pastor, has maintained many personal relationships [including] Mr. Yayo Grassi, a former Argentine student of Pope Francis."

The Vatican also put out a statement that appeared to downgrade the significance of the visit with Davis, saying it should "not be considered a form of support" of the Kentucky clerk's "position in all of its particular and complex aspects."

Met at Vatican Embassy with openly gay man & his partner

The Vatican chief spokesman said he would neither confirm nor deny the report and that there would be no further statement. The pope, speaking as he returned home from his 10-day trip to the US and Cuba, said government officials had a "human right" to refuse to discharge a duty if they felt it violated their conscience.

During the meeting, the pope told Davis to "stay strong", Staver said. Davis, whose parents are Catholic, has said her beliefs as an Apostolic Christian prevent her from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Conservative Christians, including some Republican presidential candidates, have said Davis is standing up for religious freedom.

If a gay person seeks God, Who am I to judge?

Same-sex unions threaten the family

"As you know, these realities are increasingly under attack from powerful forces which threaten to disfigure God's plan for creation and betray the very values which have inspired and shaped all that is best in your culture," he said.

The pope called on his listeners to resist "ideological colonization that threatens the family." The Vatican spokesman said later that the pope was referring to same-sex marriage, among other practices.