Italy was the last western country to finally approve civil unions for homosexual couples in Europe. The bill itself does not give adoption rights to LGBTI people and lacks other essential clauses, but it is still the biggest step yet towards equality. After it became law, the Catholic Church was quick to attack the government's decision, with many of its leaders saying that the passage of this law is a defeat and impoverishment of democratic life and society. The Pope himself has not directly addressed the issue between the church and the LGBTI community.