By Nicole Winfield
Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time as pope while being interviewed for the feature-length documentary “Francesco,” which had its premiere at the Rome Film Festival on Wednesday.
The papal thumbs up came midway through the film that delves into issues he cares about most, including the environment, poverty, migration, racial and income inequality, and the people most affected by discrimination.
“Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God,” Francis said in one of his sit-down interviews for the film. “What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered.”
While serving as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis endorsed civil unions for gay couples as an alternative to same-sex marriages. However, he had never come out publicly in favor of civil unions as pope.
Director Evgeny Afineevsky had remarkable access to cardinals, the Vatican television archives, and the pope himself. He said he negotiated his way in through persistence, and deliveries of Argentine mate tea and Alfajores cookies that he got to the pope via some well-connected Argentines in Rome.
Rihanna sent the internet into a frenzy when she performed at the Super Bowl halftime show this year showing off that baby bump but the singer revealed she actually didn't intend for the show to be the announcement.
Barbie composers Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt just delivered an early holiday gift, Ken The EP.
Andrea Correale, of Social Life Magazine, has some festive ideas for your holiday dinner.
JoAnn Baylor, co-owner of Make My Cake in New York City, isn't about to let you miss out on a delicious dessert if you need your treats sugar-free.
Chef Danielle Sepsy offers tips for a fun holiday cookie swap, plus a few cookie ideas.
Actor Chad Michael Murray, of "One Tree Hill" and "Cinderella Story," dishes about his latest project "Sullivan's Crossing."
Have you ever wondered how much it would cost to fix all of the damage done to the house in 'Home Alone?'
With only a few days until Christmas, people are still scrambling to buy gifts for friends and family. Claudia Lombana, consumer and shopping expert, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to budget for those gifts.
With the festivities in full gear, Cheddar News checked out some of the best holiday bars in New York City.
Huntley is this year's winner on 'The Voice.'
