Pope Francis Embraces Blessings for Same-Sex Couples
Pope Francis brings inclusivity to the Catholic Church by allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, marking a profound doctrinal change in the Vatican's stance on LGBTQ+ relationships
Roman Catholic priests can now officially bless same-sex couples following the approval of a Vatican document by Pope Francis on Monday. The blessings, however, should not be incorporated into regular Church rituals or liturgies, nor be performed simultaneously with a civil union.
The most recent decision elaborates on the pope's initial suggestion of blessing same-sex couples from October, signaling a departure from the Vatican doctrine office's 2021 ruling that prohibited such blessings, stating that God "cannot bless sin."
However, since July 2023, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, an Argentinian prelate and ally of Francis, has assumed control of the doctrine department and has taken a different stance compared to his predecessors.
"When individuals seek a blessing, it should not be conditional upon an extensive moral evaluation," states the declaration, written by Cardinal Fernandez and another official. "God's grace operates in the lives of those who recognize themselves as sinners, rather than claiming righteousness." The new ruling allows for blessings for couples in non-traditional relationships and same-sex couples, but leaves the decision to the discernment of ordained ministers."
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