Pope Francis has approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples. A new document from the Vatican’s doctrine office explains that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to an exhaustive moral analysis to receive it.
The document reaffirms that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman, but it states that requests for such blessings for same-sex couples should not be denied. These blessings must be non-liturgical in nature and should not be conferred at the same time as a civil union.
Father James Martins wrote: “In new doctrinal declaration, the Vatican has opened the door to blessing same-sex couples. This is a major step forward in the church’s ministry to LGBTQ people that recognizes the desire for same-sex couples for God’s presence and help in their committed and loving relationships.
It is also a marked shift from “God does not and cannot bless sin” from just two years ago. The declaration opens the door to non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples, something that had been previously off limits for all bishops, priests and deacons. Along with many Catholic priests, I will now be delighted to bless my friends in same-sex marriages.”
