Last week’s CDF document said same-sex couples could not be blessed by the Church as “it is necessary that what is blessed be objectively and positively ordered to receive and express grace, according to the designs of God inscribed in creation”. Indications are that many Catholics, including priests and some bishops, will ignore last week’s CDF document. Already under attack from the Catholic right, Pope Francis has now also alienated staunch supporters among the Church’s liberals. Since becoming Pope eight years ago he has shown an inclination to favour the spirit of the law over the letter of that law. But when pushed to act, as with this CDF document last week, Pope Francis has always come down on the side of the letter of the law.

Source: The Irish Times March 22, 2021 00:00 UTC