In his first wedding performed since becoming pontiff, Pope Francis did something special. Keeping with his progressive interpretation of Catholicism, the 20 couples participating in the ceremony included those who were currently living together and some who already had children. These arrangements are typically considered “taboo” by the Catholic Church and may require extra prenuptial stipulations before being married, but Pope Francis blessed them equally. The marriage ceremony is another example of Pope Francis’ mission to improve the tolerance and inclusion of the Church.

(20 Couple wait to be married by Pope Francis in the Vatican. Photo Credit: Alberto Pizzoli)

(Pope Francis after the ceremony. Image Credit: AP)
The wedding was the first to take place in the Vatican since 2000.
Read more at the New York Times.
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