The beauty of marriage between a man and a woman is threatened by gender ideology, Pope Francis has warned.

Speaking at the Vatican as he hosted the Bishops of Puerto Rico, the Pontiff explained that the complementarity of traditional marriage bonds is being undermined by gender ideology in the name of gaining a more just society.

“The differences between men and women are not of the order of opposition or subordination, but rather communion and generation, always as the image and semblance of God,” he said, adding that “the Sacrament of Marriage is a sign of God’s love for humanity and Christ’s commitment to his bride, the Church.” Via the visiting prelates, he urged all to “take care of this treasure”.

The Pope’s words build on a number of references he has made in recent times to the importance of defending the family for the benefit of society.

In November last year, during the Vatican-hosted interfaith conference on ‘The Complimentarity of Man and Woman’, delegates heard the Pontiff stress: “It is necessary to insist on the fundamental pillars that govern a nation: its intangible assets. The family is the foundation of co-existence and a guarantee against social fragmentation. Children have a right to grow up in a family with a father and a mother capable of creating a suitable environment for the child’s growth and emotional development.

“This is why, in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, I stressed the ‘indispensable’ contribution of marriage to society, a contribution which ‘transcends the feelings and momentary needs of the couple’.”

And, addressing pilgrims in St Peter’s Square in May, Pope Francis returned to the theme of traditional marriage, stressing that the Sacrament of Marriage enriches the life of the Church but “is impoverished when marriage is disfigured in any way”.