Pope Francis has authorized priests to bless same-sex couples, while stressing such blessings should not be part of civil union ceremonies and reiterating the Vatican’s position that marriage is between a man and a woman. The Vatican previously opposed alternative blessings for same-sex couples. Its new doctrine reads:
“Indeed, the grace of God works in the lives of those who do not claim to be righteous but who acknowledge themselves humbly as sinners, like everyone else. … Therefore, with its untiring wisdom and motherly care, the Church welcomes all who approach God with humble hearts, accompanying them with those spiritual aids that enable everyone to understand and realize God’s will fully in their existence.”
The doctrine specifies the blessings can’t include gestures, clothing or words associated with weddings.
See some reactions to the new doctrine reported by Reuters here. |
