Pope Francis says there is divine reason why man and woman are different

Pope Francis has issued a warning that "the value and beauty of marriage" is being threatened by a "gender ideology" that is trying to erase sexual differences and "the complementarity of man and woman."

"The complementarity of man and woman, the crown of the divine creation, is being questioned by gender ideology in the name of a freer and more just society," the Pope said on Monday, speaking to a group of Puerto Rico bishops at the Vatican's Santa Marta hall.

"The difference between man and woman is not meant to stand in opposition, or to subordinate, but is for the sake of communion and generation, always 'in the image and likeness of God.'"

Pope Francis admonished the bishops to cherish the treasure of sacramental marriage, saying that "without mutual self-giving, the two cannot even understand the depth of what it means to be man and woman."

In the speech, he also encouraged the bishops to keep away from political and ideological trends, to reinforce pastoral care of families, and to participate in discussions within the public circle.

Earlier in April, the Pope warned against gender theories that attempt to stamp out differences between man and woman, saying these theories only preserve the very problems that the church is trying to solve, according to the Catholic News Agency.

"Experience teaches us: to know each other well and grow in harmony, the human being requires the reciprocity of man and woman," the pontiff addressed participants in his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square.

In the Pope's catechesis last April 15, he challenged views of "so-called gender theory" and whether it "aims to erase sexual difference because it no longer knows how to confront it."

Perceiving how such theories are used as a means of expressing frustration and resignation, the Pope added, "the removal of the differences is the problem, not the solution."

Pope Francis acknowledged that today's traditions have permitted advancements in the perception of man and woman's differences but he also warned that "many doubts and scepticism" remain.