“If they (same-sex couples) ask for some blessings, why not?” said Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck of Essen, in western Germany, responding to questions from journalists at the Vatican. The bishop, one of the vice presidents of the European Union’s Commission of Bishops’ Conferences (Comece), had been received by the 84-year-old pope along with other members of the delegation. READ ALSO: ‘Sexuality is a part of life’: German churches bless gay couples in defiance of VaticanHe was asked by reporters to comment on the more than a hundred Catholic churches across Germany who in May held wedding ceremonies open to “all those who love each other”, whether gay, lesbian or heterosexual. Part of the “Love Wins” grassroots initiative launched by priests, deacons and volunteers, the organised blessing of same-sex couples came in direct defiance of the Vatican. But although he has said he approves of civil unions for same-sex couples, he has not gone so far as to give his support to the Church blessing same-sex couples.

Source: The Local June 11, 2021 16:30 UTC