Asked later by a reporter if he supported officials who said they could not in good conscience issue same-sex marriage licenses, the pope suggested the clerk's religious reason for refusing was as important as the couples' marriage rights.

“I do not recall all specific cases of conscientious objection. But what I can say, is that conscientious objection is a human right,” Francis said. “And if a person does not allow others to be conscientious objectors, then they deny them a right.”

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez