Pope Francis: Same-sex marriage ‘disfigures God’s plan for creation’

Pope Francis has attacked same-sex marriage, saying those who support it are attemptingĀ “redefine the very institution of marriage”.

Speaking at a mass in Manila, Pope Francis made the comments, despite having recently appeared to be softening his stance on the issue of gay or lesbian couples marrying.

He said: “The family is threatened by growing efforts on the part of some to redefine the very institution of marriage. These realities are increasingly under attack from powerful forces which threaten to disfigure God’s plan for creation.”

The Pope recently saidĀ the Catholic Church must help parents to stand by their gay children ā€“ but that same-sex marriageĀ ā€œnever crossed the mindsā€ of bishops when they gathered at the Vatican in October.

Commenting on the recent shootings in Paris earlier this month, the Pope also saidĀ ā€œOne cannot provoke; one cannot insult other peopleā€™s faith; one cannot make fun of faith.”