‘There is no intention to legitimize anything, but rather to open one’s life to God, to ask for his help to live better,’ the Vatican document states.
Pope Francis, in a complex “declaration,” has stated the Catholic Church’s position on same-sex relationships.
In a document issued on Dec. 18 by the Vatican, the pope clarifies that Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples.
These blessings, however, are not to be confused with approval of a marriage ceremony or same-sex relationships.
“There is no intention to legitimize anything, but rather to open one’s life to God, to ask for his help to live better, and also to invoke the Holy Spirit so that the values of the Gospel may be lived with greater faithfulness,” the document states.
At least one priest publicly celebrated the decision, calling it a “major step forward” for the church to minister to “LGBTQ people,” in a posting on X, formerly Twitter.
“Yesterday, as a priest, I was forbidden to bless same-sex couples at all,” wrote the Rev. James Martin. “Today, with some limitations, I can.”
President Joe Biden, a Catholic, was also in favor of the decision, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
“The President, along with many Catholics around the world, welcomed the declaration from the Vatican, done with the approval of Pope Francis, that allows for the blessing of same-sex couples,” Ms. Jean-Pierre said during a White House press briefing on Dec. 19.
Ms. Jean-Pierre has been heralded as the first openly LGBT person to serve in the position.
No Real Policy Change
If read carefully, however, it is clear that the missive titled “Fiducia Supplicans: On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings,” makes no change in Catholic doctrine or practice regarding same-sex unions, said Michael Hichborn, founder and president of the Lepanto Institute, a Catholic research and education organization.
“It’s incredibly imprudent to even come up with conditions for blessing couples like this, because the optics give the impression that you’re doing the opposite of what the letter of the [Catholic] law says,” Mr. Hichborn told The Epoch Times.
