Pope Francis Calls Gender Theory a 'Great Enemy of Marriage'

Pope Francis warned against "gender theory" as a "great enemy of marriage" returning to Rome this weekend.

The pope said that gender theory--which studies male, female, and transgender gender expressions--was, along with divorce, perpetuating a "global war against the family," according to Reuters. The comment echoes his past statement that transgender people represented the "annihilation of man."

Pope Francis has doubled down on his advocacy for family and traditional marriage in recent weeks. He supported a rally in Mexico City where protesters spoke out against a push by Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to legalize same-sex marriage throughout the country.

The pope's comments are the latest in a string of confusing rhetoric on how Catholics should treat LGBTs. While Pope Francis was criticizing "gender theory," he also emphasized his support for gays and lesbians and claimed he "never abandoned" homosexual parishioners.