Pope Francis Allows Priests to Bless Same-Sex Couples in Special Cases.
In a significant move, Pope Francis has given approval for priests to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples, as announced by the Vatican on Monday.
While emphasizing that such blessings should not be part of regular Church rituals or linked to civil unions, the Pope’s decision marks a notable step forward for the LGBTQ+ community within the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican clarified that it continues to uphold the traditional view of marriage as between a man and a woman.
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Church, explained that the new guidelines align with the Pope’s pastoral vision of broadening the appeal of the Catholic Church.
The document emphasizes that priests will decide on a case-by-case basis and signals that “God welcomes all.”
It is noteworthy that the blessing does not validate the status of same-sex couples in the eyes of the Catholic Church.
This development reflects a softer tone from the Catholic Church, although it does not signify a change in its official stance. In 2021, Pope Francis stated that priests could not bless same-sex marriages, citing the inability to “bless sin.”
The recent decision is seen as a nuanced approach, allowing for the blessing of relationships considered sinful, without requiring “prior moral perfection” from those receiving the blessing.
While some bishops in certain countries had previously allowed such blessings, the position of Church authorities remained unclear.
(Source: BBC News)
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67751600