Pope Francis has taken one of the concrete steps in his effort to make the Roman Catholic Church more welcoming to LGBTQ Catholics by allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced on monday
Priests have long blessed different types of people, offering prayers asking for God’s help and presence. The Vatican has long said it cannot bless same-sex couples because it would violate church doctrine that marriage is only between a man and a woman.
The new rule was issued in a declaration by the church’s doctrinal office and introduced by its prefect, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, who said the declaration did not amend “the church’s traditional doctrine on marriage,” because it did not it authorized the liturgical rite. which can be confused with the sacrament of marriage.
“It is precisely in this context,” wrote Cardinal Fernández, “that one can understand the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially confirming their status or changes in any way the ongoing teaching of the Church on marriage.”
In his introduction to the declaration, which was signed and approved by Pope Francis, however, Cardinal Fernández acknowledged that expanding the scope of who can receive the blessings amounts to “a real development” and a “certain and innovative contribution to the pastoral definition of blessing.” He said the decision was “based on the pastoral vision of Pope Francis.”
“This new declaration opens the door for non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples, something that was previously not prohibited for bishops, priests and deacons,” said Rev. James Martin, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ Catholics. “Along with many priests, I will be happy to bless my friends in same-sex unions.”
There has been an explosion of activity on the LGBTQ issue in recent months from the Office of the Doctrine of the Faith, which is run by Cardinal Fernández, especially after many advocates for LGBTQ Catholics have been deeply disappointed by the lack of progress. , or even recognition, during a big meeting in October of bishops and laity in October that could possibly lead to major changes in the church.
In October, the Vatican released Francis’ private response over the summer to doubts from conservative cardinals about the possibility of blessing same-sex couples, a practice they strongly oppose. Instead, Francis suggested that blessings are a possibility, apparently reversing a 2021 Vatican decision that came down hard against the blessing of gay unions, arguing that God “cannot bless sin.”
While the pope also clearly upheld the church’s position that marriage can only exist between a man and a woman, he said priests should use “pastoral charity” when it comes to requests for blessings. But Francis also made it clear that he did not want the blessings to be reduced to protocols, as has happened in parts of the liberal German church that support same-sex blessings – and urged priests to be open to ” channels beyond the norm.”
On October 31, Francis approved another document by Cardinal Fernández’s department, clarifying that transgender people can be baptized, serve as godparents and be witnesses at church weddings, expanding his vision of a more inclusive church. .
The issue of blessing same-sex couples has exploded in recent years, especially in Germany, where priests regularly offer blessings despite Vatican objections.
Father Martin called the declaration a “major step forward in the church’s ministry to LGBTQ people and recognizes the deep desire of many Catholic same-sex couples for the presence of God in their loving relationship.”
The Vatican document teaches that blessings, intended to evoke the presence of God in all aspects of life, can be bestowed on people, objects of worship, places of work, and much more, and aims to give of glory and ask for God’s favor. .
