Pope Francis addresses same-sex blessings controversy

Everyone will calm down – Pope on same-sex blessings controversy

Thursday, February 8th, 2024

Pope Francis has expressed optimism that “everyone will gradually calm down” regarding the Vatican’s recent decision to permit priests to offer same-sex blessings.

The Vatican’s announcement, titled “Fiducia Supplicans,” drew criticism from conservatives, with some Catholic bishops in Africa expressing strong disapproval.

However Pope Francis described the objections from certain African bishops as stemming from cultural differences, acknowledging the negative perception of homosexuality in many African societies.

Despite the criticism, Pope Francis remains steadfast in his belief in inclusivity within the Church, emphasising the need for understanding and unity amidst differing perspectives.

“Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups” Francis told the Italian daily La Stampa.

Should we write a list of sinners who can enter the church

Emphasising the inclusive nature of the declaration, Pope Francis reiterated the Church’s stance on welcoming everyone, stating “We are all sinners: why then should we write a list of sinners who can enter the church and a list of sinners who cannot stay in the church? This is not the Gospel.”

Addressing concerns about potential schisms within the Church, the Pope expressed confidence and urged a forward-looking approach, stating “You must let them be, and walk and look ahead.”

In a forthcoming interview with the Catholic magazine Credere, Pope Francis highlighted the inconsistency of being scandalised by blessings for homosexual couples while overlooking serious sins in other contexts.

“No one is scandalised if I give my blessing to a businessman who perhaps exploits people, and this is a very serious sin, and they are scandalised if I bless a homosexual… This is hypocrisy” the pontiff said.

While some episcopal conferences globally have welcomed the move to same-sex blessings, conservative factions have denounced it as blasphemous. To mitigate confusion, guidelines were issued, stipulating that blessings for couples in irregular situations should not coincide with civil union ceremonies.