Pope tells lawmakers to vote with church

VATICAN CITY, March 14 (UPI) -- Pope Benedict XVI says Catholic politicians cannot vote for laws supporting abortion and gay marriage, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

The pope said lawmakers have a social responsibility to give "public testimony to their faith" by respecting all human life and to allow marriage only between a man and a woman, ANSA said.

The news service said the statement was seen "as a clear reference to moves in several predominantly Catholic countries to give legal recognition to gay couples.

Spain has introduced gay marriage and Italy is currently debating whether to give certain rights to gay and unmarried couples.

The pope said bishops should not allow divorced couples who remarry to receive communion.