Pope Francis urges compassion for single parents, homosexuals

Pope Francis waves to the faithful as he holds his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square on March 19, 2014 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph by saying the saint is a model for all fathers and educators.

Pope Francis yesterday continued his reformist agenda by urging Church leaders to serve as nurturing pastors as opposed to being rigid enforcers of Catholic doctrines while dealing with matters of family and sexuality.

In his highly anticipated statement titled the Joy of Love, the Pope further nudged priests to practice with love and show a willingness to understand a fast changing world as well as show compassion for single parents, remarried couples and homosexuals.