Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples.

Pope Francis has authorised priests to bless same-sex couples, a big step forward for the LGBTQ+ community inside the Roman Catholic Church.

According to the BBC, the head of the Roman Catholic Church indicated that priests should be authorised to bless same-sex and “irregular” marriages in specific instances.

The Vatican, on the other hand, has stated that blessings should not be included in normal Church services or related with civil unions or weddings.

It went on to say that it still considers marriage to be between a man and a woman.
A Vatican document outlining the move was approved by Pope Francis on Monday.

Although the document itself states that priests must make decisions on a case-by-case basis, the Vatican said it should be a sign that “God welcomes all.”

While introducing the statement, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the Church’s prefect, made it clear that the amended attitude does not bestow formal recognition to same-sex couples within the Catholic Church.

The proclamation represents a shift in tone, but not a change in stance. The Pope declared in 2021 that priests are not permitted to confer blessings on same-sex marriages, citing the conviction that God cannot “bless sin.”

A blessing in the Catholic Church is a prayer or entreaty, often read by a minister, praying that God bestow favour on the individual or individuals receiving the blessing.

Pope Francis intimated in October that he would be happy to see same-sex couples blessed by the Church.

While Church officials’ positions remained unclear, bishops in numerous nations previously enabled priests to bless same-sex marriages, according to the BBC.