FEATURED
“God Welcomes All” – Catholic Document Clarifies Why Pope Francis Approved Blessings For Same-sex Couples
A Catholic Church document has clarified why Pope Francis had granted permission for priests to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples, a development which mark a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community within the Roman Catholic Church.
The BBC reports that the head of the Roman Catholic Church stated that, in some cases, priests ought to be able to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples.
However, the Vatican has emphasised that blessings should not be incorporated into routine Church ceremonies or associated with civil unions or weddings.
It added that it continues to view marriage as 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.”
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Church, while introducing the text, made it clear that the revised position does not confer official recognition to same-sex couples within the Catholic Church.
The declaration signifies a shift in tone, albeit without altering its stance. The Pope had in 2021 declared that priests are prohibited from bestowing blessings upon same-sex marriages, citing the belief that God cannot “bless sin”.
Within the Catholic Church, a blessing consists of a prayer or entreaty, typically recited by a minister, requesting that God provide favour to the individual or individuals receiving the blessing.
In October, Pope Francis hinted that he might be willing to see same-sex couples blessed by the Church.
According to the BBC, while the position of Church officials remained unclear, bishops in several countries had previously permitted priests to bless same-sex marriages.
(BBC, excluding headline)
Ogorugba Lauds Oborevwori on Newly Inaugurated Ozoro Ultra-Modern Market
Omo-Agege: How an Assassination Squad Attacked NDC Campaign, Threatened to Kill Me and My Coordinator in Delta
Demonstration Of Ignorance — Tinubu Rejects Subsidy Restoration Demands
‘Take Me Back to Senate’ — Omo-Agege Flags Off 2027 Campaign, Slams Oborevwori
Sowore Blasts Adeleke Over Tinubu Visit Amid Osun Violence
Tinubu Receives Re-Elected Adeleke at Aso Rock, First Meeting Since Osun Victory
Oil Resumption: MOSOP Assures Ogoni People of a Good Deal, Announces Minor Cabinet Changes
Tinubu Assigns Famadewa to Lead Service Chiefs, Ribadu for 5-Year National Security Threat Assessment, Defence Strategy Development
2027: Extend Your Love For Me To President Tinubu, Oborevwori Tells Religious Leaders
Oborevwori Sets to Inaugurate Perm Secretaries Quarters Today
Omo-Agege Warns Delta Gov: You’ll be Held Responsible If My Family or I Come Under Attack as Campaigns Begin
Nigerian Navy Boosts Maritime Defense as CNS Inaugurates State-of-the-Art SSV-KALI 3 Vessel Built in Delta
Osogbo Shooting — Police Confirm 60-Year-Old Man Dead, Vows to Arrest Suspects
Tinubu Appoints Enitan as New Head of Civil Service as Walson-Jack Bows Out
