Pope Benedict XVI issued a warning to world leaders this week about policies promoting gay marriage.

The pontiff told a group of more than 100 diplomats Monday that gay marriage is not only a threat to the traditional family, but to humanity's future.

He added that the family unit is more than a "social convention," that it is fundamental for an individual's education and development.

"Hence, there is a need for policies which promote the family and aid social cohesion and dialogue," the pope concluded.

The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual acts are sinful and that children should grow up in a traditional family with a mother and a father.