Pope Francis has given approval for priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples, marking a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community within the Roman Catholic Church. The head of the Roman Catholic Church has stated that, in certain instances, priests should be able to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples, according to reports from the BBC.
It is clarified by the Vatican that these blessings should not be incorporated into regular Church ceremonies or associated with civil unions or weddings. The Vatican continues to assert that marriage is considered between a man and a woman. The move is outlined in a document approved by Pope Francis on Monday, emphasizing that priests should make decisions on a case-by-case basis, signifying that “God welcomes all.”
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Church, introduced the text and made it clear that the revised position does not officially recognize same-sex couples within the Catholic Church. While it signifies a change in tone, the stance remains unaltered. In 2021, Pope Francis had declared that priests are prohibited from blessing same-sex marriages, citing the belief that God cannot “bless sin.”
In the Catholic Church, a blessing involves a prayer or entreaty, typically recited by a minister, asking for God’s favor upon the individual or individuals receiving the blessing. Pope Francis had hinted in October that he might be open to the idea of same-sex couples being blessed by the Church. While the position of Church officials remained unclear, bishops in several countries had previously allowed priests to bless same-sex marriages.