Pope Francis Permits Catholic Blessing for Same-Sex Couples, But Non-Approval

The Vatican announced that priests will be allowed to bless same-sex and unmarried couples. The corresponding Declaration was issued on Monday by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and approved by Pope Francis, according to Vatican News.

However, as stated in the text of the declaration, such blessings are not an endorsement by the Catholic Church and cannot take place as part of a religious ceremony. 

"Such blessings must not be performed with any church rituals that create the impression of marriage," the document says.

Furthermore, the Declaration states that "the doctrine regarding marriage remains unchanged, and the blessing does not imply approval of the union."

"When two people seek a blessing, even if their situation as a couple is 'irregular,' the ordained minister may consent. However, this pastoral gesture should avoid any elements remotely resembling a wedding ceremony," the "Fiducia supplicans" Declaration on the pastoral meaning of blessings specifies.

The declaration clarifies that this action is "for those who do not live according to the norms of Christian moral doctrine, but humbly ask to be blessed."

The Declaration urges priests to decide the situation independently in each specific case, adding that they "should not hinder or prohibit the Church's closeness to people in every situation where they may seek God's help through a simple blessing."

This declaration complements the letter that the Pope sent to two conservative cardinals, published in October.

In this previous response, Francis hinted that such blessings could be offered under certain circumstances, provided they do not confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage.

The new document clarifies the letter and confirms that in the eyes of the Catholic Church, marriage is a sacrament that lasts a lifetime between a man and a woman.

"Fiducia supplicans" begins with an introduction by the prefect, Cardinal Victor Fernandez, explaining that the Declaration considers the "pastoral meaning of blessings," allowing "to expand and enrich its classical understanding."

The practice of blessing same-sex couples was already established in some countries, such as Belgium and Germany, despite the absence of approval from the Holy See to date.

Since Pope Francis took office in 2013, he has worked on reforming the Church's governance, making it less hierarchical and more attentive to traditionally excluded needs.