Pope Francis Approves Allowing Catholic Priests To Bless Same-sex Marriage

Pope Francis has given formal approval for priests to bless same-sex couples, while reiterating that marriage is traditionally understood as being between a man and a woman, Aso Naija Reports.

On Monday, the Vatican’s doctrine office released a document that provides guidance and further details regarding this declaration. The document states that when individuals request a blessing, it should not be contingent on an exhaustive moral analysis. People seeking a blessing should not be required to achieve moral perfection beforehand.

This document expands upon a letter that Pope Francis sent to two conservative cardinals, which was published in October.

Additionally, the document reasserts the Vatican’s stance that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman.

It emphasizes that blessings should not be performed in conjunction with civil unions, nor should they resemble the rituals and gestures associated with weddings.

However, the document emphasizes that requests for such blessings should not be categorically denied. It provides an extensive scriptural definition of the term “blessing” to underscore that individuals seeking a transcendent relationship with God, and desiring His love and mercy, should not be subjected to an exhaustive moral analysis as a prerequisite for receiving such blessings.

According to the document by Pope Francis, a blessing ultimately offers people a means to deepen their trust in God.

It expresses and nurtures openness to transcendence, mercy, and the closeness of God in various circumstances of life. The document acknowledges the significance of this in the contemporary world, stating that it is a seed of the Holy Spirit that should be nurtured instead of hindered.

It is important to note that the Vatican maintains the position that marriage is an indissoluble union between a man and a woman. Consequently, it has long opposed same-sex marriage.

In August, during World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, Pope Francis addressed the hundreds of thousands gathered, affirming that the Catholic Church is for everyone, without exception. He emphasized inclusivity by repeating the word “todos” three times, which means “everyone” in Portuguese.