Calay News
In a historic move, the Vatican officially authorized the blessing of same-sex couples on Monday, marking an unprecedented gesture in the Catholic Church. However, the approval comes with the condition that such blessings occur outside liturgical rituals, maintaining the Church’s stance against same-sex marriage.
The authorization was detailed in a document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved by Pope Francis. It allows for the possibility of blessings for same-sex couples in irregular situations, emphasizing that the form of the blessing should not be ritually fixed by ecclesiastical authorities to avoid confusion with the sacrament of marriage.
The document specifies that these blessings should not coincide with civil union ceremonies or share any attire, gestures, or words associated with a marriage. While some priests were already blessing same-sex couples, especially in Belgium and Germany, this is the first time the Church has explicitly paved the way for such blessings.
The decision was hailed as a “significant advancement” by some, clarifying the church’s position on the matter. Father James Martin, known for his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, celebrated the decision as a “great step forward in the church’s ministry to LGBTQ+ people.”
This move may intensify opposition from the conservative wing of the Church, particularly in the United States, amid growing criticism of Pope Francis’s governance. The declaration follows the conclusion of the Synod on the Future of the Catholic Church, where bishops, women, and laity discussed issues such as LGBTQ+ acceptance and remarriage after divorce.
In 2021, the Vatican reiterated its stance that homosexuality is a “sin” and affirmed that same-sex couples cannot receive the sacrament of marriage. Pope Francis, elected in 2013, has consistently emphasized the importance of an inclusive church but has faced resistance from conservatives on various fronts. The latest decision reflects ongoing efforts to navigate the Church’s stance on contemporary social issues.
