Pope Francis suggests considering blessings for same-sex couples.
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
1:30 PM – Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Pope Francis hints at a groundbreaking shift in Vatican policy by allowing certain Catholic priests to bless same-sex unions.
During a recent address, Pope Francis emphasized the need for individual consideration and made it clear that these blessings should not be equated with traditional heterosexual weddings.
In 2021, the Vatican stated its opposition to same-sex relationships, citing that “God cannot bless sin.” However, the pope’s recent remarks suggest a potential change in this stance.
“We cannot be judges who only deny, reject, and exclude,” he expressed in a letter responding to five cardinals seeking clarification on the matter.
While the official doctrine of the Vatican remains unchanged, LGBTQ+ Catholics view Pope Francis’ comments as a significant step towards ending the isolation and discrimination they face within the church.
The pope’s statements were made in a letter released by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, in response to inquiries from conservative cardinals from various regions.
These cardinals urged the pope to uphold traditional Catholic teachings on same-sex unions and other controversial topics, such as women’s ordination.
In his response, Pope Francis acknowledged the possibility of granting “forms of blessing, requested by one or more persons” in certain cases. He emphasized the importance of practicing “pastoral charity,” which includes kindness, patience, understanding, tenderness, and encouragement.
While these unions, according to the pope, do not promote a distorted view of marriage, they should not necessarily become the norm either.
This focus on allowing these partnerships on a “pastoral” rather than official basis may be a reference to the actions of German Catholic priests who have publicly blessed same-sex weddings in defiance of their diocese.
LGBTQ+ Catholics and progressive individuals consider the pope’s remarks as a significant victory for the cause of “religious equality.”
“Though the Vatican’s latest statement about same-gender couples does not provide a full-fledged, ringing endorsement of blessing their unions, the document significantly advances Pope Francis’ work to include and affirm LGBTQ+ people,” stated Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ Catholics.
Despite facing various health challenges, the 86-year-old pope has consistently championed progressive causes, ranging from the immigrant crisis to climate change.
When questioned about LGBTQ+ matters and the sexual orientations of priests, Francis famously responded, “Who am I to judge?”
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How do LGBTQ+ Catholics view Pope Francis’ comments as a potential step towards ending isolation and discrimination within the church?
The recent remarks made by Pope Francis regarding same-sex unions have sparked a debate about a potential shift in Vatican policy. While the official doctrine of the Vatican remains unchanged, LGBTQ+ Catholics view the pope’s comments as a significant step towards ending the isolation and discrimination they face within the church.
In 2021, the Vatican issued a statement opposing same-sex relationships, stating that “God cannot bless sin.” However, Pope Francis’ recent remarks hint at a possible change in this stance. During a recent address, the pope emphasized the need for individual consideration and clarified that these blessings should not be equated with traditional heterosexual weddings.
In a letter responding to five cardinals seeking clarification on the matter, Pope Francis expressed, “We cannot be judges who only deny, reject, and exclude.” While these comments do not indicate a complete endorsement of same-sex unions, they suggest a more inclusive approach within the church.
The pope’s statements were made in response to conservative cardinals who urged him to uphold traditional Catholic teachings on same-sex unions and other controversial topics. In his response, Pope Francis acknowledged the possibility of granting “forms of blessing, requested by one or more persons” in certain cases. He emphasized the importance of practicing “pastoral charity,” which includes kindness, patience, understanding, tenderness, and encouragement.
It is important to note that the pope’s focus on allowing these partnerships on a “pastoral” rather than official basis may be a reference to the actions of German Catholic priests who have publicly blessed same-sex weddings in defiance of their diocese.
LGBTQ+ Catholics and progressive individuals see the pope’s remarks as a step forward for “religious equality.” Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ Catholics, commented, “Though the Vatican’s latest statement about same-gender couples does not provide a full-fledged, ringing endorsement of blessing their unions, the document significantly advances Pope Francis’ work to include and affirm LGBTQ+ people.”
However, this potential shift in Vatican policy is not without controversy. Traditionalists within the church argue that the institution should uphold its long-standing teachings on marriage and sexuality. The debate on this matter is likely to continue within the Catholic Church as different factions voice their opinions.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’ remarks hint at a possible change in Vatican policy regarding same-sex unions. While the official doctrine remains unchanged, the comments are seen as a significant step towards inclusivity and ending discrimination within the church. The pope’s focus on pastoral charity and individual consideration suggests a more nuanced approach to same-sex relationships. However, the debate on this topic within the Catholic Church is ongoing, as different factions express their opinions on the matter.
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