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 lesbian and president of Catholics for Choice. In January, Francis told the Associated Press: “Being homosexual is not a crime.” Raul Peña, a spokesman for Crismhom, Madrid’s main Catholic LGBTQ+ association, said small-town, conservative dioceses in rural Spain could benefit from Francis’ message. “It’s a fundamental step for those hierarchies and for those people who are in places where being LGBT is difficult.” Santora, pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in New Jersey, said the pope’s declaration would be welcome in a parish that celebrates an annual Pride Mass and has many LGBTQ+ parishioners. “I would certainly ask my friends who are priests to convey such a blessing, but I wouldn’t approach any other church official to demand a rite to be blessed, because I already know God has blessed my relationship.” Associated Press reporters David Crary and Luis Andres Henao in New York; Peter Smith in Pittsburgh; Farai Mutsaka in Harare, Zimbabwe; Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin; and Ciaran Giles in Madrid contributed to this report.

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History of this topic

A look at Pope Francis’ comments about LGBTQ+ people
6 months, 3 weeks ago

A look at Pope Francis’ comments about LGBTQ+ people

Associated Press  

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ apology Tuesday for using a vulgar term to refer to gay men was the latest comment to make headlines about the Catholic Church’s teachings on homosexuality. Francis has made a hallmark of reaching out to LGBTQ+ Catholics, but his 11-year pontificate has Officially, the Catholic Church teaches that homosexual people must be treated with dignity …

Pope Francis allegedly used derogatory Italian term towards LGBT community: Reports
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Pope Francis allegedly used derogatory Italian term towards LGBT community: Reports

India TV News  

Vatican City: Pope Francis used a highly derogatory term to refer to members of the LGBT community as he reiterated in a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops that gay people should not be allowed to become priests, according to multiple reports in the Italian media. Pope Francis has so far been credited with leading the Roman Catholic Church into taking …

Transgender Catholics say new Vatican document shows no understanding of their lives
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Transgender Catholics say new Vatican document shows no understanding of their lives

Associated Press  

Transgender Catholics — as well as a priest who welcomes them to his parish — expressed disappointment Monday with a new Vatican document rejecting the fundamental concept of changing one’s biological sex. The new document never uses the word “transgender,” which troubled Michael Sennett, a transgender man who is involved with an LGBTQ+ ministry at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church …

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 …

Pope Francis warns against ideological splits in the Church, says focus on the poor, not ‘theory’
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Pope Francis warns against ideological splits in the Church, says focus on the poor, not ‘theory’

Associated Press  

VATICAN CITY — Amid resistance to some Vatican policy by more conservative factions of the Catholic church, Pope Francis on Saturday cautioned the faithful against fracturing into groups “based on our own ideas.” He issued the call to abandon “ecclesiastical ideologies” in his homily in St. Peter’s Basilica during Epiphany Day Mass, the last major Christmas season holiday. Francis also …

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 …

All you need is love, the Pope agrees (as did the Beatles)
1 year ago

All you need is love, the Pope agrees (as did the Beatles)

Hindustan Times  

The week began with a historic shift for the Church. The Pope’s consent to blessings of queer couples is the latest in his intensified efforts to retain queer Catholics under his pastoral care and circumscribe discrimination within the Church. “In other words, ideologies replace faith.” Some queer historians like John Boswell have offered evidence that complicates what may be viewed …

‘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 …

Step by step, Francis has made the Catholic Church a more welcoming place for LGBTQ people
1 year ago

Step by step, Francis has made the Catholic Church a more welcoming place for LGBTQ people

Associated Press  

The Catholic Church, in its doctrine, still rejects same-sex marriage and condemns any sexual relations between gay or lesbian partners as “intrinsically disordered.” Yet Pope Francis, during his nearly 11-year papacy, has done far more than any previous pope to make the church a more welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people. ___ The pope’s mixed record on LGBTQ+ issues was epitomized …

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 …

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.” …

For this group of trans women, the pope and his message of inclusivity are a welcome change
1 year, 1 month ago

For this group of trans women, the pope and his message of inclusivity are a welcome change

Associated Press  

TORVAIANICA, Italy — Pope Francis’ recent gesture of welcome for transgender Catholics has resonated strongly in this working class, seaside town south of Rome, where a community of trans women has found help and hope through a remarkable relationship with the pontiff forged during the darkest times of the pandemic. They didn’t see us as normal people, they saw us …

Vatican steps closer to allowing transgender people to be baptized as Catholics
1 year, 1 month ago

Vatican steps closer to allowing transgender people to be baptized as Catholics

Associated Press  

In the United States, the national conference of Catholic bishops rejects the concept of gender transition, leaving many transgender Catholics feeling excluded. On Wednesday, the Vatican made public a sharply contrasting statement, saying it’s permissible, under certain circumstances, for trans people to be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents. “It is a major step for trans inclusion … it …

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 …

Catholic priests bless same-sex couples in defiance of a German archbishop
1 year, 3 months ago

Catholic priests bless same-sex couples in defiance of a German archbishop

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Several Catholic priests held a ceremony blessing same-sex couples outside Cologne Cathedral on Wednesday night in a protest against the city’s conservative archbishop, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki. Their protest was triggered by Cologne church officials’ criticism of a priest from Mettmann, a town near Duesseldorf, who in March had held a “blessing ceremony for lovers” — including same-sex …

US priest who runs outreach for LGBTQ+ Catholics tapped by pope to join major Vatican gathering
1 year, 5 months ago

US priest who runs outreach for LGBTQ+ Catholics tapped by pope to join major Vatican gathering

Associated Press  

ROME — An American Jesuit who runs outreach ministry for LGBTQ+ Catholics was tapped by Pope Francis on Friday to be among participants at a major Vatican gathering of bishops and laypeople later this year. Ahead of the gathering, known as a synod, there was an unprecedented canvassing of Catholics worldwide, which found that the faithful want to see concrete …

Pope says he knows what non-binary means, welcomes LGBT people to church: ‘All persons are children of God’
1 year, 8 months ago

Pope says he knows what non-binary means, welcomes LGBT people to church: ‘All persons are children of God’

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. He said that it is “one of the beautiful …

Pope Francis, Anglican, Presbyterian leaders denounce anti-LGBTQ laws
1 year, 10 months ago

Pope Francis, Anglican, Presbyterian leaders denounce anti-LGBTQ laws

Firstpost  

Pope Francis, the head of the Anglican Communion and top Presbyterian minister together denounced the criminalization of homosexuality and said gay people should be welcomed by their churches. They were asked about Francis’ recent comments to The Associated Press, in which he declared that laws that criminalize gay people were “unjust” and that “being homosexual is not a crime.” South …

Pope clarifies homosexuality and sin comments in note
1 year, 10 months ago

Pope clarifies homosexuality and sin comments in note

Associated Press  

ROME — Pope Francis has clarified his recent comments about homosexuality and sin, saying he was merely referring to official Catholic moral teaching that teaches that any sexual act outside of marriage is a sin. Francis first made the comments in an interview Jan. 24 with The Associated Press, in which he declared that laws criminalizing homosexuality were “unjust” and …

The Pope said being gay isn't a crime. Why this should come as no surprise
1 year, 10 months ago

The Pope said being gay isn't a crime. Why this should come as no surprise

Firstpost  

Pope Francis’ long history of making similar comments in support of LGBTQ people’s dignity, despite the church’s rejection of homosexuality, has provoked plenty of criticism from some Catholics Once again, Pope Francis has called on Catholics to welcome and accept LGBTQ people. Francis’ long history of making similar comments in support of LGBTQ people’s dignity, despite the church’s rejection of …

The AP Interview: Pope says homosexuality not a crime
1 year, 10 months ago

The AP Interview: Pope says homosexuality not a crime

Associated Press  

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church. Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality or discriminate against LGBTQ people, and …

Pope Francis: 'Homosexuality is not a crime'
1 year, 10 months ago

Pope Francis: 'Homosexuality is not a crime'

The Hindu  

Pope Francis criticised laws that criminalise homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQIA+ people into the Church. Pope Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalise homosexuality or discriminate against the LGBTQIA+ community, and he …

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 Francis may support same-sex unions, but the Indian church still has some way to go
4 years, 2 months ago

Pope Francis may support same-sex unions, but the Indian church still has some way to go

Live Mint  

For most of his teenage, Savio Mascarenhas believed that when he dies, he’ll end up in hell. But Pope Francis’s remarks in a recent documentary, where he expressed his support for civil union laws for same-sex couples, helped assuage the guilt Savio has carried for years. “What also makes this news amazing is that the Pope reportedly says that ‘Homosexuals …

Pope Francis endorses same-sex civil unions
4 years, 2 months ago

Pope Francis endorses same-sex civil unions

Daily Mail  

Pope Francis has endorsed same-sex civil unions, saying in a documentary that homosexual people are 'children of God' and that they 'have the right to be in a family'. Pope Francis has endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time since taking the papal role How previous popes have approached same-sex civil unions John Paul II John Paul II Pope …

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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