In a historic decision endorsed by Pope Francis, the Vatican announced on Monday that same-sex couples may receive blessings from Roman Catholic priests as long as the ceremonies and rituals are not a part of the regular church calendar.
A document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office stated that such blessings would not legitimise irregular situations but rather be a sign that God welcomes everyone, effectively reversing a declaration the same body had issued in 2021.
It further stated that it is not to be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage.
The statement stated that priests “should not prevent or prohibit the Church’s closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God’s help through a simple blessing” and that they should make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
In response to inquiries made by five conservative cardinals during the opening of the Vatican’s synod of bishops in October, the pope made hints that a formal shift was in the works.
The eight-page document released on Monday, with the subtitle “On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings,” outlined particular circumstances, in contrast to the more nuanced response from October. “Blessings of Couples in Irregular Situations and of Couples of the Same sex” was the title of an 11-point section.
According to Church doctrine, homosexual acts are sinful but same-sex attraction is not. Without altering moral doctrine, Francis has worked to increase LGBT acceptance within the more than 1.35 billion-member Church since his election in 2013.
