Nearly half a million Catholics have signed a petition urging Pope Francis to take a stronger stance in opposing same-sex relationships.

The Filial Appeal on the Future of the Family – not the snappiest of group names – have amassed a petition of over 462,700 names.

This comes ahead of a synod – scheduled to be held in October – which will evaluate the way the Church approaches gay and divorced worshipers.

The petition has been signed by over 100 senior Catholic officials; including American Cardinal Raymond Burke – who recently accused Irish voters of being “worse than pagens” over the vote to legalise same-sex marriage.

The petition states that: “a breach has been opened within the Church that would accept adultery–by permitting divorced and then civilly remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion–and would virtually accept even homosexual unions when such practices are categorically condemned as being contrary to divine and natural law.”

Pope Francis has caused a stir with his more liberal approach towards homosexuality. In the past he has urged families to support their children if they are gay. However, he has also compared trans people to nuclear weapons and rejected a gay French diplomat from serving in the Vatican.

The petition has been particularly popular in the Philippines, a country in which over 85% of people are Catholics.

Oscar Cruz, a retired Filipino archbishop has spoken publicly about the petition. “When the Pope speaks, Catholics from all parts of the world listen. He will make a huge impact,” Cruz said.

“We are suffering from what the Pope described as ideological colonization. Little by little, our customs and traditions are being penetrated by First World countries.” Not the best word choice there, Oscar.