Pope Francis Approves Blessings for 'Irregular' Same-Sex Couples

Those seeking divine love do not need to undergo "exhaustive moral analysis” to be worthy of receiving it, according to Pope Francis.

The Pope released a document on Monday formally approving priests to bless same-sex couples, so long as the blessing does not resemble a wedding, multiple media outlets have reported. However, the document states such requests should not be denied outright, and can be permitted if the blessing does not take place as part of regular church activities.

In other words, the new ruling offers “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex” although it leaves the decisions to “the prudent and fatherly discernment of ordained ministers.”

The decision marks a stark shift from the Vatican's previous stance, reflected in a 2021 ruling from its doctrine office which stated God “cannot bless sin.” Pope Francis quickly expressed his opposition at the time, despite technically approving its publication, and soon after removed the official responsible.

Clergy members were permitted to bless the unions of same-sex couples who have had civil weddings or partnerships in February after a vote from the church's national assembly, and just this past weekend, the Church of England blessed same-sex couples for the first time.

Trending stories

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

​6 lesbian films coming we can't wait to see in 2025

Watch: In gay period romance 'Lilies Not For Me,' playful wrestling turns sensual (exclusive)

In 'Survival of the Thickest,' queer joy and activism are one and the same

Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring

Alan Cumming jumps for joy after major 'Avengers: Doomsday' casting news

Matt Bomer, as a 'Mid-Century Modern' ditz, can finally 'experience queer joy'

Bob the Drag Queen shades Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ weight loss: 'Girl, you have to get new pads'

In 'Mid-Century Modern,' the 'gay Avengers' assemble for needed comic relief

JD Vance ruthlessly mocked after everyone in Greenland refused to welcome wife Usha Vance

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

Cowboys & Queens U.S. tour by Jane Hilton: A modern American dream

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

Discover the power of Wellness in your life

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Gerald Garth is keeping people of color happy and healthy through trying times

'Mid-Century Modern': Celebrate Linda Lavin's most iconic roles

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

Nathan Lee Graham wants 'Mid-Century Modern's queer viewers to 'lean into the joy'

The Charles is Pacific Grove's new LGBTQ+ hotel

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

The church still holds the official position that marriage is between a man and woman and that people in "irregular" unions are living in sin. The Vatican's new doctrine states that "when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it."

“Ultimately, a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God,” the document reads, according to the Associated Presss. “The request for a blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy, and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live.”

It adds that asking for a blessing is "a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered.”