How can Catholic priests bless same-sex unions?
1 year ago

How can Catholic priests bless same-sex unions?

Associated Press  

ROME — The Vatican document explicitly saying Catholic priests can bless same-sex unions lays out the conditions for what such blessings can, and cannot, involve. The document from the Vatican’s doctrine office explicitly says priests can offer blessings to same-sex couples provided the blessings themselves don’t in any way resemble a marriage. Nothing has changed about the Catholic Church’s firm opposition to gay marriage, or its teaching that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered.” Rather, this new document aims to allow any couple in an “irregular union” to seek and receive God’s love and mercy through a blessing. Rather, priests should be trained to “spontaneously” offer blessings outside the church’s set of approved blessings.

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History of this topic

The Pope acknowledges resistance to same-sex blessings but doubles down on his decision
11 months, 1 week ago

The Pope acknowledges resistance to same-sex blessings but doubles down on his decision

Associated Press  

ROME — Pope Francis has defended his controversial decision to let priests bless same-sex couples but admitted that “solitude is a price you have to pay” when you make difficult decisions. During an appearance on “Che Tempo Che Fa,” Frances acknowledged, in his first comments since the uproar, the “resistance” the decision has generated. Asked if he felt alone, Francis …

Africa’s Catholic hierarchy refuses same-sex blessings, says such unions are contrary to God’s will
11 months, 1 week ago

Africa’s Catholic hierarchy refuses same-sex blessings, says such unions are contrary to God’s will

Associated Press  

VATICAN CITY — In the greatest rebuke yet to Pope Francis, the Catholic bishops of Africa and Madagascar issued a unified statement Thursday refusing to follow his declaration allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples and asserting that such unions are “contrary to the will of God.” The statement, signed by Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo on behalf of the …

How to deal with same-sex unions? It’s a question fracturing major Christian denominations
11 months, 2 weeks ago

How to deal with same-sex unions? It’s a question fracturing major Christian denominations

Associated Press  

Catholics around the world are sharply divided by the Vatican’s recent declaration giving priests more leeway to bless same-sex couples. Ryan Burge, a political science professor at Eastern Illinois University and pastor of an American Baptist church, says it’s become increasingly difficult for Christian denominations to fully accommodate clergy and congregations with opposing views on same-sex relationships, particularly as such …

Vatican says no heresy in allowing blessings for same-sex couples after pushback by some bishops
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Vatican says no heresy in allowing blessings for same-sex couples after pushback by some bishops

Associated Press  

ROME — After pushback by some bishops in Africa, Poland and elsewhere, the Vatican on Thursday defended the recent move by Pope Francis to allow blessings for same-sex couples, insisting there is nothing “heretical” involved. In a five-page statement, the Holy See’s office to safeguard doctrinal orthodoxy expressed understanding that some bishops’ conferences need more time for “pastoral reflection” on …

Some Catholic bishops reject pope’s stance on blessings for same-sex couples. Others are confused
1 year ago

Some Catholic bishops reject pope’s stance on blessings for same-sex couples. Others are confused

LA Times  

A rosary is seen around the neck of a woman wearing a T-shirt with a picture of Pope Francis, as she awaits his arrival at the St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba, South Sudan, in February. The announcement Monday by the Vatican office reversed its 2021 statement that had ruled out blessings for same-sex couples because God “cannot bless sin.” The …

Some Catholic bishops reject Pope’s stance on blessings for same-sex couples. Others are confused
1 year ago

Some Catholic bishops reject Pope’s stance on blessings for same-sex couples. Others are confused

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — In an extraordinary pushback against Pope Francis, some Catholic bishops in Africa, Poland and elsewhere say they will not implement the new Vatican policy allowing blessings for same-sex couples. The announcement Monday by the Vatican office reversed its 2021 statement that had ruled out blessings for same-sex couples because God “cannot bless sin.” The U.S. …

Some Catholic bishops reject Pope's stance on blessings for same-sex couples. Others are confused
1 year ago

Some Catholic bishops reject Pope's stance on blessings for same-sex couples. Others are confused

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Zambia's bishops conference said same-sex …

Activists hope pope’s approval of same-sex blessings will ease anti-LGBTQ+ bias and repression
1 year ago

Activists hope pope’s approval of same-sex blessings will ease anti-LGBTQ+ bias and repression

LA Times  

Wolfgang Rothe, left, blesses Christine Walter, center, and Almut Muenster during a service in St. Benedict’s Church in Munich in 2021. “Given the homophobic and transphobic climate created by many bishops in the United States, the average same-sex couple likely still won’t feel comfortable presenting themselves to their local bishop or priest to ask for a blessing,” said Jamie Manson, …

‘A small step’: LGBTQ+ Angelenos, allies see progress in Vatican’s blessings for same-sex couples
1 year ago

‘A small step’: LGBTQ+ Angelenos, allies see progress in Vatican’s blessings for same-sex couples

LA Times  

Same-sex couples take part in a public blessing ceremony in front of the Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany, on Sept. 20. Zaldivar — also a self-described proud, gay Catholic — said, “It’s about dignity and respect.” When he came out, Zaldivar said he stopped attending Mass regularly, unsure of where he fit in the church. “I applaud him; I know …

The Story Behind Pope Francis’ Shocking Reversal on Same-Sex Relationships
1 year ago

The Story Behind Pope Francis’ Shocking Reversal on Same-Sex Relationships

Slate  

The Catholic Church, a 2,000-year-old institution, generally moves at a glacial pace. At the start of Francis’ papacy, the DDF was led by a German ally of Pope Benedict XVI who would go on to accuse Francis of “material heresies.” Francis replaced him with a Spaniard with a similar theological background, signaling, as one Catholic publication put it at the …

Activists hope pope’s approval of same-sex blessings could ease anti-LGBTQ+ bias and repression
1 year ago

Activists hope pope’s approval of same-sex blessings could ease anti-LGBTQ+ bias and repression

Associated Press  

ROME — Pope Francis’ green light for Catholic priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples is in many ways a recognition of what has been happening in some European parishes for years. Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document released Monday Dec. 18, 2023 explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by …

Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples in landmark ruling for LGBTQ Catholics
1 year ago

Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples in landmark ruling for LGBTQ Catholics

ABC  

Roman Catholic priests will be able to bless same-sex couples, as long as the blessings are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, under a landmark ruling approved by Pope Francis. Key points: The Catholic Church teaches that same-sex attraction is not sinful but homosexual acts are The church previously barred same-sex couples from receiving blessings in a 2021 …

Pope approves 'blessings' for same-sex couples but maintains strict ban on gay marriage
1 year ago

Pope approves 'blessings' for same-sex couples but maintains strict ban on gay marriage

India TV News  

Pope Francis formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced on Monday, a radical shift in policy that aimed at making the church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage. “It is one thing to formally approve same-gender blessings, which he had already pastorally permitted, but to say that people should not be subjected …

Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples in change in Vatican policy
1 year ago

Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples in change in Vatican policy

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Vatican has long opposed …

Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples that must not resemble marriage
1 year ago

Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples that must not resemble marriage

Associated Press  

ROME — Pope Francis formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced Monday, a radical shift in policy that aimed at making the church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage. “It is one thing to formally approve same-gender blessings, which he had already pastorally permitted, but to say that people should not be …

Pope Francis allows blessings for same-sex couples under certain conditions
1 year ago

Pope Francis allows blessings for same-sex couples under certain conditions

Al Jazeera  

A landmark ruling approved by the Vatican says priests can bless same-sex couples under some circumstances. A document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office approved by Pope Francis on Monday said such blessings would not legitimise irregular situations but be a sign that God welcomes all. It said priests should decide on a case-by-case basis and “should not prevent or prohibit …

Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples that must not resemble marriage
1 year ago

Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples that must not resemble marriage

LA Times  

Newlyweds meet with Pope Francis during the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican last month. “It is one thing to formally approve same-gender blessings, which he had already pastorally permitted, but to say that people should not be subjected to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive God’s love and mercy is an even more significant step.” …

Pope Francis Suggests There Might Be Ways To Bless Same-Sex Unions
1 year, 2 months ago

Pope Francis Suggests There Might Be Ways To Bless Same-Sex Unions

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has suggested there could be ways to bless same-sex unions, responding to five conservative cardinals who challenged him to affirm church teaching on homosexuality ahead of a big meeting where LGBTQ+ Catholics are on the agenda. New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics, said the letter “significantly advances” efforts to make …

Pope suggests blessings for same-sex unions possible in response to 5 conservative cardinals
1 year, 2 months ago

Pope suggests blessings for same-sex unions possible in response to 5 conservative cardinals

Associated Press  

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has suggested there could be ways to bless same-sex unions, responding to five conservative cardinals who challenged him to affirm church teaching on homosexuality ahead of a big meeting where LGBTQ+ Catholics are on the agenda. New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ+ Catholics, said the letter “significantly advances” efforts to make LGBTQ+ Catholics welcomed …

Pope suggests blessings for same-sex unions are possible in response to 5 conservative cardinals
1 year, 2 months ago

Pope suggests blessings for same-sex unions are possible in response to 5 conservative cardinals

LA Times  

Joseph Zen, retired archbishop of Hong Kong, is among five conservative cardinals who are challenging Pope Francis to affirm Catholic teaching on homosexuality. Pope Francis has suggested there could be ways to bless same-sex unions, responding to five conservative cardinals who challenged him to affirm church teaching on homosexuality ahead of a big meeting where LGBTQ+ Catholics are on the …

Belgian bishops propose prayer for gay couples, not marriage
2 years, 3 months ago

Belgian bishops propose prayer for gay couples, not marriage

Associated Press  

ROME — Belgian bishops on Tuesday published a proposed text for a prayer liturgy for same-sex couples that includes prayers, Scriptural readings and expressions of commitment, despite a 2021 Vatican directive barring church blessings for gay couples. The Flemish-speaking bishops stressed that the “moment of prayer” was by no means akin to a sacramental marriage, which Catholic doctrine says is …

Pope: No same sex marriage, but uphold other rights
3 years, 3 months ago

Pope: No same sex marriage, but uphold other rights

Associated Press  

STORY: In Air Pope Gay Marriage - Pope: No same sex marriage, but uphold other rights LENGTH: 02:18 FIRST RUN: 1757 RESTRICTIONS: TYPE: Italian/Natsound SOURCE: AP-REUTERS AGENCY POOL STORY NUMBER: 4344203 DATELINE: 15 September - In Air SHOTLIST: RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP-REUTERS AGENCY POOL In air - 15 September 2021 1. SOUNDBITE Pope Francis: “Marriage is marriage, but this does not …

Vatican refuses to bless same-sex unions under Pope Francis, saying God 'cannot bless sin'
3 years, 9 months ago

Vatican refuses to bless same-sex unions under Pope Francis, saying God 'cannot bless sin'

ABC  

The Vatican has announced that priests cannot bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are not valid. Key points: The Catholic Church says it welcomes gay people but not their relationships The ruling was approved by Pope Francis who has supported civil protections for gay couples A leading gay Catholics group described the news as "not surprising but disappointing" It …

LGBTQ Catholics stung by Vatican rebuff of same-sex unions
3 years, 9 months ago

LGBTQ Catholics stung by Vatican rebuff of same-sex unions

Associated Press  

The Vatican’s declaration that same-sex unions are a sin the Roman Catholic Church cannot bless was no surprise for LGBTQ Catholics in the United States — yet it stung deeply nonetheless. She was responding to a formal statement Monday from the Vatican’s orthodoxy office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, saying Roman Catholic clergy may not bless such …

Vatican bars gay union blessing, says God ‘can’t bless sin’
3 years, 9 months ago

Vatican bars gay union blessing, says God ‘can’t bless sin’

Associated Press  

ROME — The Vatican declared Monday that the Catholic Church won’t bless same-sex unions since God “cannot bless sin.” The Vatican’s orthodoxy office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, issued a formal response to a question about whether Catholic clergy have the authority to bless gay unions. The Vatican holds that gay people must be treated with dignity …

Vatican Says Church Can't Bless Same-sex Unions as Gay Acts Are 'Sinful', Pope Francis Agrees
3 years, 9 months ago

Vatican Says Church Can't Bless Same-sex Unions as Gay Acts Are 'Sinful', Pope Francis Agrees

News 18  

The Vatican said on Monday that priests and other Roman Catholic Church ministers cannot bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are “not licit” if carried out. Pope Francis approved the response, the CDF said, adding that it was “not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite”. At …

Vatican says Church does not support same-sex civil unions – despite Pope comments
4 years, 1 month ago

Vatican says Church does not support same-sex civil unions – despite Pope comments

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Vatican has said comments …

Pope endorses same-sex civil unions in new documentary
4 years, 2 months ago

Pope endorses same-sex civil unions in new documentary

LA Times  

Pope Francis waves at the end of the weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican on Wednesday. Pope Francis broke new ground in the Roman Catholic Church acceptance of same-sex civil unions by endorsing some relationships between gay people during an interview for a documentary that premiered Wednesday. “His statement on civil unions is historic and …

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