Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples in Vatican's landmark ruling

Vatican City: In a historic move, Pope Francis has sanctioned Roman Catholic priests to provide blessings to same-sex couples, marking a significant step within the Church's stance on LGBTQ+ issues.

The Vatican, under the papal decree approved by Pope Francis, clarified that while priests are permitted to administer blessings to same-sex couples, these blessings should not be a part of standard Church rituals or liturgies. Instead, they serve as a symbol of God's acceptance of all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation, reported Reuters.

The official document issued by the Vatican's doctrinal office emphasises that these blessings do not validate what the Church considers "irregular situations" but are gestures indicating God's inclusivity. It underscores the distinction between these blessings and the sacrament of heterosexual marriage, emphasising that the Church should extend its support to individuals seeking solace and assistance through these blessings.

The pope had hinted at an impending change during discussions in October, responding to inquiries from conservative cardinals at a synod of bishops. The recent eight-page document titled "On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings" elucidates specific scenarios, delineating an 11-point section addressing blessings for same-sex and "irregular" couples.

The Catholic Church upholds the belief that same-sex attraction is not sinful, but it considers homosexual acts as contrary to its moral doctrine. Since his papacy began in 2013, Pope Francis has sought to foster a more inclusive environment for the Church's LGBTQ+ community without altering the Church's moral doctrine concerning same-sex relationships.

Father James Martin, an influential American Jesuit priest known for his work with the LGBTQ+ community, welcomed the document as a significant stride in the Church's outreach. He expressed his intent to bless same-sex unions, reflecting the Church's evolving approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The Vatican's decree, known by its Latin title Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), emphasises that the form of the blessing should not mirror the ritual of the Sacrament of Marriage to avoid confusion. It aims to enrich the lives and relationships of individuals seeking spiritual support without legitimising their status.

Additionally, the document stresses that such blessings should not be associated with civil marriage ceremonies and should exclude elements typical of wedding rituals. The Vatican proposes alternative settings for these blessings, such as pilgrimages, prayer gatherings, or meetings with priests.

Expectedly, this decree is likely to face opposition from conservative factions within the Church, similar to the criticism the pope encountered following his initial comments on the subject in October. The document, signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, the head of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, received papal approval in a private audience on Monday morning.