Pope supports the blessing of unions for individuals in same-sex relationships
On Friday, Pope Francis stood by the Catholic Church's recent endorsement of blessings for same-sex couples, seeking to pacify conservative dissent. In December, the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, responsible for Roman Catholic doctrine, announced that priests could offer blessings to "irregular" and same-sex couples in specific situations.
This triggered an outcry in certain circles, especially in Africa, where critics accused the Church of reversing its stance on gay marriage and homosexuality, both of which it traditionally opposes.
"These blessings do not necessitate moral perfection to be received," declared the pope during an audience with members of the dicastery.
"When a couple requests it, the blessing is not bestowed upon the union itself but solely upon the individuals who have sought it together," he clarified.
"It's about blessing the people, considering the context, sensitivities, localities, and the most suitable ways to do so," Francis added.
The initial statement stipulated that priests could only administer blessings for same-sex couples, divorcees, or unmarried couples in "non-ritualized" settings, explicitly excluding weddings or civil unions.
Resistance to the Vatican's decision has been notably fervent in Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cardinal Robert Sarah from Guinea, an influential figure in the conservative wing, denounced the declaration as "heresy."
In response to the criticism, the dicastery recently defended its position, asserting that the Church maintains a "clear and definitive" stance on marriage—reserving it exclusively for a man and a woman—and considers homosexuality a sin.
However, it emphasized the need for "prudence and attention to the ecclesial context and local culture" when implementing the measure.
Since ascending to the papacy in 2013, 87-year-old Pope Francis has consistently advocated for the Church to embrace all its faithful, including those from the homosexual and LGBTQ communities.
However, his endeavors have faced staunch opposition, particularly from the traditional and conservative factions within the Church.
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