Catholic priests in Germany have defied Rome with a series of Masses around the country to bless same-sex couples. In March the Vatican said the Catholic Church could not bless same-sex unions, as “God does not and cannot bless sin”. That drew protest from more than 200 theologians in German-speaking Europe and sparked an online campaign with the title “Love Wins”. The ceremonies up the ante in a growing stand-off between Rome and Germany’s Catholic Church, currently engaged in a so-called “synodal path” consultation process between local church leaders and members. German film director Wim Wenders has joined the protest, expressing his disappointment with Pope Francis for signing off on the March document.

Source: The Irish Times May 11, 2021 18:00 UTC