VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis often has expressed openness to the idea of laws recognizing civil unions, including for gay couples, to protect their rights.

COQUITLAM, B.C. – Jennifer Sison couldn’t stop crying and smiling when she and her husband Carlo walked down the aisle to say their vows in front of 58 other brides and grooms and hundreds of well wishers at St. Clare of Assisi Parish.