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.
Ben Zoffness, founder of Zoffness College Prep, shares some creative tips to keep kids' minds on learning during winter break.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced on Friday it will return 16 ancient items to Cambodia and Thailand.
Actor and chef David Burtka tells us about the best part of the holiday season with husband Neil Patrick Harris and their family. Plus: a very special jam collaboration between the couple and Beth's Farm Kitchen that will benefit City Harvest.
Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick, president of The Etiquette School of New York, shares some tipping tips so that you don't come off as a Scrooge.
Sam Raimondi shows you how to make a beautiful rustic wreath for the holiday season.
Marissa Silva, editor-in-chief of The Toy Insider, joined Cheddar News to provide gift ideas for your furry loved ones ahead of the holidays.
Musicals have been tough sells in theaters in recent years, so much so that Warner Bros. downplayed the song and dance elements of “Wonka” in trailers. Instead, the studio emphasized Chalamet, the 27-year-old actor.
Barbara Streisand will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at next year's SAG Awards.
Cher opened up to Kelly Clarkson about being excluded from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Nicki Minaj revealed that she turned down a request from Kanye West to clear her verse so he could release her collaboration.
