Oops! I guess this throws a monkey wrench into the political machinations of certain right-wing American bishops and cardinals:

Pope Francis signaled that the Catholic Church could support some civil unions, particularly in order to guarantee property rights or medical care for nonmarried couples.The pontiff made the comment in a wide-ranging interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published Wednesday.

Francis reiterated the church's stance that marriage is between a man and a woman before adding that moves to "regulate diverse situations of cohabitation (are) driven by the need to regulate economic aspects among persons, as for instance to assure medical care," according to the Catholic News Service.

While the pope's remark opens the door to support for same-sex civil unions, he did not endorse them outright. The Catholic News Service noted "until now, no pope has indicated even tentative acceptance of civil unions."