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Vatican Addresses Controversy, Releases Comprehensive Statement

The Vatican’s doctrinal office released a comprehensive five-page statement aimed at clarifying the contentious “Fiducia Supplicans” guidance that sparked widespread resistance among conservative Roman Catholic leaders worldwide. Led by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the office addressed the fervent reactions while urging a meticulous and composed interpretation of the Declaration to grasp its essence and intent, as reported by Vatican News.

This guidance, authorized by Pope Francis on December 18 and issued by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, allows priests to offer blessings to couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without altering the Church’s enduring teachings on marriage. However, the Vatican firmly advised against establishing or endorsing a ritual specifically for blessing such couples.

The response to this directive was notably adverse among Catholic bishops, especially in regions like Africa and Eastern Europe. Archbishop Tomash Peta of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana publicly rebuked the pope and prohibited any form of blessing for same-sex couples within his jurisdiction. In Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed concern over the guidance, citing anxiety and confusion among the faithful.

Various bishops’ conferences globally, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, emphasized the distinction between sacramental blessings and pastoral blessings, clarifying that the Church’s stance on marriage remains unchanged. They highlighted the document’s intent to offer pastoral support while upholding traditional teachings.

Cardinal Fernández underscored that the pushback from bishops’ conferences should not be viewed as doctrinal opposition, emphasizing the document’s clarity on matters of marriage and sexuality. He provided a specific example of a non-ritualized form of blessing, emphasizing its brief nature and intention not to endorse morally unacceptable actions.

Fernández highlighted the need for discretion and discernment by diocesan bishops in implementing such nonliturgical blessings, acknowledging varying contexts and interpretations across different regions. He clarified that the guidance aims to address pastoral needs without endorsing or formalizing any conduct contrary to Church doctrine.

Regarding the guidance’s intent, Fernández clarified that it was primarily a response to liberal bishops in Germany seeking formal liturgical blessings for same-sex couples, aiming for an inclusive pastoral response acceptable to all, albeit challenging for some.