Pope Francis Clarifies Stance on Same-Sex Blessings

Pope Francis has addressed the controversy surrounding his position on same-sex couples, emphasizing a distinction between blessing individuals and blessing unions.

The Pope explained that while he allows the blessing of individuals, he does not extend this to same-sex unions.

In an interview with CBS’s ‘60 Minutes’, the Pope was questioned about what appeared to be a shift in Vatican policy after he approved blessings for Catholics in same-sex unions.

“Last year, you decided to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples,” CBS ‘60 Minutes’ anchor Norah O’Donnell noted. “That’s a big change. Why?”

“No, what I allowed was not to bless the union. That cannot be done because that is not the sacrament. I cannot.

The Lord made it that way,” the Pope clarified in remarks translated into English. “But to bless each person, yes. The blessing is for everyone.

For everyone. To bless a homosexual-type union, however, goes against the given right, against the law of the Church.

But to bless each person, why not? The blessing is for all. Some people were scandalized by this. But why? Everyone! Everyone!”

The Pope’s approval for blessings of same-sex couples came in a document titled Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust).

This move was seen by some gay Catholics as a positive change, providing a sense of inclusion after feeling alienated by Church teachings.

However, the development sparked significant debate within the Catholic Church, particularly facing strong resistance from African bishops.