Pope Francis Supports Protests Against Same-Sex Marriage in Mexico

Pope Francis stood by the tens of thousands Mexican Catholics who protested against President Enrique Pena Nieto's proposal to legalize same-sex marriage throughout the country.

During a visit this weekend, the pope said the demonstrations were "in favor of family and life, which in these times require special pastoral and cultural attention around the world."

Protesters filled Mexico City over the weekend after the far-right National Front for the Family organized the march. Same-sex marriage is only legal in some Mexican states, and the capital, Mexico City, and last year the Mexican Supreme Court struck down state bans on same-sex unions.

Pope Francis has been firm in his rejection of same-sex marriage, despite past conciliatory comments to LGBT Catholics when he said, "who am I to judge?"