The Pope stressed the importance of a family that consists of a man and a woman to thousands at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. He sternly said any attempts to weaken the institution of the family would be detrimental to society.
"Whoever, even unknowingly, circumvents the institution of the family undermines peace in the entire community, national and international, since he weakens what is in effect the primary agency of peace," the pontiff said.
"Everything that serves to weaken the family based on the marriage of a man and a woman... constitutes an objective obstacle on the road to peace."
The Pope's speech comes at a time when European countries are adopting a more liberal approach in the treatment of homosexuals such as the Spanish government recognising gay marriage and divorce.