Pope Francis' Groundbreaking Stance: Embracing Blessings for Some Same-Sex Unions

Pope Francis has proposed, for the first time, that Catholic priests may bless individuals in same-sex unions on a "case-by-case" basis, indicating a change from his previous remarks. This suggestion was conveyed in a letter written by the Pope to his most critical opponents within the Catholic community. The letter was a response to a formal inquiry, known as a "dubia" (Latin for "doubt"), posed by five conservative cardinals seeking a definitive answer from the Pope regarding his management of the Church.

The cardinals, namely Walter Brandmuller, Raymond Leo Burke, Juan Sandoval Iniguez, Robert Sarah, and Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, initially addressed a letter to Pope Francis on July 10. The letter primarily focused on the upcoming October meeting of bishops, questioning its potential impact on Church teaching. It also included inquiries regarding the Pope's intentions regarding blessings for same-sex unions and the possibility of opening the door to women priests through ordination.

However, dissatisfied with the Pope's initial response, the five cardinals, as stated in a blog post by American Cardinal Raymond Burke, decided to revise the "dubia" letter. On August 21, they sent the revised letter, highlighting "the gravity of the matter," according to Burke.

On June 26, 2021, Pope Francis arrived at the Vatican's Paul VI hall to hold an audience with members of the Catholic charity Caritas. The event was captured by Tiziana FABI, an AFP photographer, in this powerful image.

Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty Images

Pope Francis praised a priest's work with LGBTQ Catholics in a handwritten letter

The Vatican released a letter in Spanish dated September 25, signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the new chief of doctrine. In this response, Pope Francis addressed the dubia and referred to himself as "Francis."

Regarding homosexual unions, the pontiff reiterated the church's belief that marriage is solely between a man and a woman. However, the letter indicates that blessings may be extended to individuals in same-sex unions.

Content must be written in English:

"When requesting a blessing, you are essentially seeking assistance from God, praying for an improved life, and placing trust in a paternal figure who can guide us towards a better existence," the Pope penned. He further noted that clergy members should exercise "pastoral prudence" by accurately discerning whether certain forms of blessings, requested by individuals or groups, convey an incorrect perception of marriage."

The Pope's recent response seemingly contradicts his previous statement in March, asserting that the Church cannot bless same-sex unions due to the inability to "bless sin."

The most recent development seems to be a recognition of a decision by the German Church. In March and August, several priests in Cologne gave Catholic blessings to same-sex unions.

Regarding the ordination of women, the pontiff confirmed his support for the words of the late Pope John Paul II. In 1994, he stated that the (Catholic) Church lacked the authority to ordain women. However, the letter mentioned that the issue should be studied to educate those who have doubts.

Pope Francis waves to the faithful as he leaves St. Peter's Square at the the end of Palm Sunday Mass on March 29, 2015 in Vatican City, Vatican.

Franco Origlia/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

The Pope's openness to LGBTQ Catholics hits a wall

"If these distinctions are not understood and their practical consequences are not recognized, it will be challenging to acknowledge that the priesthood is exclusively for men and we will fail to appreciate the rights of women or their need to participate in various leadership roles within the Church," stated the Pope.

In regards to the potential impact of the forthcoming meeting of Catholic bishops on the teachings of the Church, Pope Francis expressed more ambiguity, stating, "Both the hierarchy and the entire People of God, through different means and at various levels, have the opportunity to express their viewpoints and feel included in the Church's journey. In this sense, we can affirm that synodality, as both a style and a dynamic, constitutes an essential aspect of the Church's life."

He further emphasized that any endeavor to "elevate or enforce a specific synodal approach that satisfies a particular faction, turning it into a standard and compulsory route for all, would merely result in stagnating the synodal journey."

The forthcoming Synod in Rome has evoked apprehension among the conservative factions of the Church, who have voiced reservations regarding the inclusion of women and the lack of consensus in implementing the Church's teachings.

John Allen in Rome contributed reporting