Pope's comments on modern marriage raise storm of criticism


Pope Francis talks during the opening of a meeting of Rome's diocese in Saint John Lateran basilica in Rome, Italy, June 16, 2016. REUTERS/Tony Gentile

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis has said the "great majority" of Catholic marriages being celebrated today are invalid because couples do not fully realise it is a lifetime commitment, drawing sharp criticism from Church conservatives.

The pope, who has come under fire before for making spontaneous comments about doctrinal matters, was speaking at a question-and-answer session with priests, nuns and parish workers on Thursday night in a Rome basilica.

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