Pope Francis proclaimed Roman Catholic domain can bestow blessings upon same-sex couples, provided such blessings remain extraneous to customary Church ceremonies
In a groundbreaking decree sanctioned by Pope Francis, the Vatican proclaimed on Monday that priests within the Roman Catholic domain can bestow blessings upon same-sex couples, provided such blessings remain extraneous to customary Church ceremonies or liturgical proceedings.
A directive from the Vatican’s doctrinal office stipulated that such benedictions would not endorse anomalous circumstances but rather serve as an indication that the benevolence of God extends to all.
The document further asserted that clergy members should exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis. It emphasized that priests “ought not to impede or proscribe the Church’s proximity to individuals in every circumstance where they may earnestly seek divine assistance through a modest invocation.”