While acknowledging that “solitude is a price you have to pay” when making tough choices, Pope Francis has defended his contentious decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples.
In an interview with an Italian talk show on Sunday, Francis reiterated his belief that the “Lord blesses everyone.” However, he acknowledged the extraordinary backlash his choice had caused. Bishops from all across Africa had united to reject the Vatican declaration, and other bishops from Eastern Europe and Latin America had also expressed their disapproval.
In a Dec. 18 declaration, the Vatican reiterated the teaching of the church, which holds that marriage is a lifelong partnership between a man and a woman. However, it made it possible for priests to bestow impromptu, non-liturgical blessings on same-sex couples who are pleading for God’s grace in their lives, as long as these blessings are not mistaken for wedding ceremonies and customs.
Frances acknowledged the “resistance” the decision has sparked during an appearance on “Che Tempo Che Fa,” his first remarks following the controversy. He attributed it to bishops’ ignorance of the problem and their unwillingness to have a conversation about it.
In response to the question of whether he felt alone, Francis said, “You take a decision and solitude is a price you have to pay.” “Sometimes decisions are not accepted,” he stated. “But in most cases, when you don’t accept a decision, it’s because you don’t understand.”
