'Astonishing': Pope Francis polls Catholics on divorce, same-sex marriage

By Tracy Connor, Staff Writer, NBC News

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The document sent to every nation's conference of bishops notes that the ancient church and its members are grappling with "concerns which were unheard of until a few years ago."

Same-sex unions, mixed marriages, single-parent families and surrogate mothers are all mentioned in the prelude to a list of questions that get into the nitty-gritty of 21st century life:

• "What pastoral attention can be given to people who live in these types of [same-sex] union?"
• "In the case of unions of persons of the same sex who have adopted children, what can be done pastorally in light of transmitting the faith?"
• "Do [the divorced and remarried] feel marginalized or suffer from the impossibility of receiving the sacraments?"
• "In cases where non-practicing Catholics or declared non-believers request the celebration of marriage, describe how this pastoral challenge is dealt with."

The survey is the latest sign of Francis' willingness to engage ordinary Catholics and promote a less judgmental approach to hot-button social issues.

The Argentine Jesuit elected to the throne of St. Peter in March has drawn widespread praise — and some scattered criticism from conservatives — for his comments about gays, women, atheists and priestly celibacy.

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