VATICAN CITY, April 2 (Reuters) – Pope Francis found an ally in his predecessor Benedict XVI when he spoke in favour of civil partnerships for same-sex couples, the pontiff said in a new book due out in Spain. The work is set for publication on Wednesday, but its contents were shared in advance on Tuesday with several media, including Reuters. Francis has confirmed the Catholic Church’s opposition to LGBT marriages, but has repeatedly said same-sex couples have a right to be protected by civil union laws. A greater openness towards the LGBT community has been one of the hallmarks of his 11-year papacy, but the more conservative Benedict was not known as sympathetic to the cause.