Striking decision from the Church: Catholic Church approves blessing of same-sex couples

The Vatican has allowed Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. The Vatican's doctrinal office, with the permission of the spiritual leader of Catholics, Pope Francis, published the document providing for the blessing of same-sex couples on Monday.

The document makes a clear distinction between the blessing of people who love each other and a religious marriage ceremony. Pointing out that the Church only allows the marriage of a man and a woman, the document emphasizes that there is no change in this stance. For this reason, it was noted that priests who will bless same-sex couples can do so under certain conditions.

CONDITIONAL PERMISSION FOR BLESSING

Accordingly, priests were asked to avoid having the blessing of same-sex couples resemble a marriage ceremony. It was emphasized that the blessing should in no way be linked to ceremonies such as a wedding or the registration of cohabitation.

In addition, it was stated that the couple should not come to the church wearing wedding attire, and that behaviors belonging to wedding ceremonies, such as putting rings on each other's fingers, will not be allowed. Another condition introduced stipulates that couples should not be blessed during a religious service.

REJECTED IN 2021

The permission to bless same-sex couples is described as a revolution in the Catholic Church. It is stated that the change aims to make gay people feel comfortable in church congregations.

The blessing of same-sex couples has long been a controversial issue in the Catholic Church. Although Pope Francis has followed a more moderate line on this issue, many conservative clergymen rejected it. For this reason, the document prepared by Cardinal Victor Fernandez, which accepts the blessing of same-sex couples, was considered an unexpected step.

In 2021, the former head of the doctrinal office, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, had stated that the blessing of same-sex couples could absolutely not be accepted.

News Source: 12punto