Pope Francis Sanctions Blessings For Gay Couples
Pope Francis has endorsed a measure permitting Roman Catholic priests to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples, stipulating that the blessing should not equate to marriage and should acknowledge such relationships as sinful.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released a Declaration named “Fiducia Supplicans” outlining a broader understanding of blessings linked to liturgy. This declaration expands the scope to offer blessings to couples in irregular situations and same-sex unions, while distinctly upholding the Church’s enduring teachings on marriage.
The Catholic Church leadership clarified that the intention behind this declaration was to honor the faithful who approach the Church seeking blessings, emphasizing trust in God’s mercy.
The document highlighted that rigorous moral assessments should not be prerequisites for granting blessings and that moral perfection should not be a precondition for those seeking blessings.
Regarding same-sex couples, the declaration outlined a blessing invoking God’s grace upon those acknowledging their need for divine help, refraining from seeking validation of their status but instead seeking enrichment, healing, and elevation of what is true, good, and humanly valid in their relationships.
However, the declaration cautioned against creating or promoting rituals for blessing couples in irregular situations while affirming the Church’s willingness to provide simple blessings to people in need.
It suggested a brief prayer before the blessing, where the minister asks for peace, health, patience, dialogue, mutual assistance, along with God’s guidance and strength to fulfill His will.
This declaration forms part of a series of directives responding to inquiries from bishops worldwide about Catholic doctrine.
In a related instance in the past, the dicastery clarified guidance regarding single mothers who, despite leading complex lives, may receive the Eucharist after confessing their sins.
This recent measure echoes Pope Francis’ previous controversial statement in October 2020, seemingly endorsing civil unions for same-sex couples. Despite his remarks, the Vatican clarified that his comments did not alter church doctrine, stating that the reported comments lacked necessary context and were confined to specific state regulations rather than church doctrine, which the Pope had consistently upheld.
I trust he repents of his sins and calls on the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive and save him for his sins.
Not Biblical! He will have to account for lost souls as he is in a leadership role in the church. He needs to pray as we need to pray for him and those who follow this teaching. A sad day…
Absolutely , Peggy The Bible makes the issue very clear!! God disapproves of homosexuality in all forms and and all who sin in that manner as a lifestyle are not to be Blessed in their sins!
Upholding the church doctrine that marriage is between one man and one woman is important. Blessing same sex couples individually will likely not violate the church doctrine.
May not violate church doctrine but will Biblical teaching.
Sounds like the Pope, even the POPE is trying to sit on the fence…apparently not remembering what Jesus Himself said about “lukewarm” followers. This Pope’s influence is, however, both vast and deep, so hopefully he will do a turn-around, at least before he leaves this earth…
HOW can the Pope or ANY human being on earth “bless” what God does NOT
bless??? In fact God calls sin an ABOMINATION. He HATES all sin because it
separates us human beings from HIM. EACH of us sinners sin and absolutely need God”S forgiveness – ONLY available through His Son, Jesus Christ. “There is ONE Savior between God and mankind – the Man Christ Jesus.” We may not “like” being called sinners but GOD insists on PERFECTION! AND, He made the RULES!! Jesus came to earth to TAKE OUR place (punishment/death) – He did that on Calvary. His resurrection proves that the Heavenly Father accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross!!! HEAR and RECEIVE His “good news” for YOU personally!!!!