Zuko Komisa
Pope Francis confirmed that Catholic priests can now bless same-sex couples.
On Monday, Pope Francis officially approved the ordination of same-sex couples by Roman Catholic priests, marking a dramatic change in the church’s attitude toward LGBTQ+ individuals.
On Sunday, Pope Francis turned 87, capping a year marked by significant achievements in his attempts to reform the Catholic Church as well as health issues that cast doubt on his ability to serve as pope in the future.
A Vatican document that was approved by the pope states that the blessings can be performed as long as they are not performed in conjunction with a civil union or as part of regular Church rituals or liturgies.
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“The [declaration] articulated a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God’s loving grace in their lives,”
“The Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and mercy in our lives,”
Chieko Noguchi, the executive director of public affairs at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement Monday
The latest decision expands on the pope’s October opening to bless same-sex couples and moves away from the Vatican Doctrine Office’s 2021 ruling that forbade any blessings, stating that God “cannot bless sin.”
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