The Roman Catholic Church’s cautious embrace of blessings for same-sex couples is set to continue under Pope Leo XIV, signalling a nuanced approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Church’s pastoral care. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, recently affirmed that the policy allowing such blessings, introduced under Pope Francis, will remain intact. This statement came in response to speculation from conservative circles hoping that the new pope might rescind the progressive directives issued late last year.
In December 2023, the Vatican released Fiducia Supplicans: On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings, a document primarily reflecting on the theological significance of blessing acts. Approved by Pope Francis and signed by Cardinal Fernández and his deputy Msgr. Armando Matteo, the text delineated a sensitive pastoral path. It permits blessings for couples in what it terms ‘irregular’ situations, explicitly including same-sex relationships, but strictly under conditions that avoid any liturgical rites or formal recognition resembling marriage. The document carefully distinguishes these blessings as spontaneous, pastoral acts aimed at invoking God’s enrichment and healing over relationships without legitimising or endorsing them doctrinally. As the document states, ‘rites and prayers that could create confusion’ between such blessings and the Catholic understanding of marriage—a union considered indissoluble and exclusively between a man and a woman—are explicitly inadmissible.
This pastoral opening, however limited, represents a significant shift from the Church’s traditional stance and forms part of a broader effort by Pope Francis to foster inclusivity towards LGBTQ+ individuals without altering the core doctrine on marriage. The new directive discourages exhaustive moral scrutiny of individuals seeking blessings, focusing instead on the presence of genuine faith and openness to grace. Yet, this move has been met with resistance from conservative factions within the Church. Some bishops worldwide, particularly in Africa, have voiced strong opposition, arguing that such blessings could undermine both Church teachings and cultural norms.
The Vatican has actively defended the new policy against criticism, emphasising that it does not modify fundamental Church doctrine on marriage and sexuality. Church officials clarify that blessings for same-sex couples are not endorsements of same-sex marriages, should not be conflated with civil unions, nor should they resemble wedding ceremonies. Cardinal Fernández described the guidance as a clear response to attempts by some regional bishops, notably in Germany, who sought to formalise liturgical blessings for same-sex couples—an approach the Vatican explicitly rejected to maintain doctrinal consistency.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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