Italy: Roman Catholic priests are now permitted to bestow blessings on same-sex couples under a historic decision approved by the Vatican. The blessings are not given during regular church liturgies, rituals, civil unions, or weddings.
According to a document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office that Pope Francis approved, such blessings would indicate that God welcomes everyone rather than legitimise abnormal circumstances.
It was stated in the document that although “this blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them,” it was supported for “couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex.”
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,” as per the statement, and should make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
The document expands on a letter Pope Francis sent to two conservative cardinals published in October this year. In that initial response, the Pope said that if they did not mistake the ceremony for the sacrament of marriage, then in certain cases, such blessings could be given.
The new document restates and expands upon that reasoning, reiterating that marriage is a sacrament that lasts a lifetime between a man and a woman. It emphasises that blessings shouldn’t be given concurrently with a civil union, following predetermined procedures, or even dressing and acting appropriately for a wedding.
However, it says that such blessing requests should not be turned down. It insists that those pursuing a transcendent relationship with God and seeking his love and mercy should not be subjected to “an exhaustive moral analysis” as a prerequisite for receiving it. It does this by providing a comprehensive definition of the term “blessing” in Scripture.
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