A recent statement released by the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has created controversy with remarks implying that marital separation can be "morally necessary" under certain circumstances.
Many critiques of the Catholic Church who have been pushing for reforms of its dogmatic views on divorce and separation, have been surprised by the Pope's remark that "separation is inevitable" in certain instances according to a statement quoted by the New York Post.
The pontiff said in cases were a spouse or child run the likelyhood of being victimised owing to violence, arrogance, exploitation, humiliation and indifference - it is "morally necessary" to remove the emotionally wounded from the situation.
The leader of the Vatican also commended those married couples who despite the many challenges have been able to sustain their marital vows in adversity. However, Pope Francis said he understands that in some instance couples have fallen apart, the publication reported.
The statement by Pope Francis comes ahead of an important Bishop's conference, which is set to take place in Oct. this year.
Since the Pope's election two years ago he has displayed a more compassionate approach to sensitive issues such as homosexuality and divorce however, little doctrinal changes have taken place.
The conference which will invite Bishop's from around the world to attend discussions in Rome, will see church leaders take a stance on important issues including those that surround communion being administered to divorced and remarried couples, according to the New Zealand Herald.
Earliar this week the Vatican released a working paper with guidelines on issues to be debated at the conference but despite the compassionate remarks by the pontiff on divorce this week, the paper suggests the ban on receiving communion in church for divorcees still remains, the publication stated.