The Vatican on Monday approved blessings for same-sex couples but insisted they must not be established as a Catholic rite nor given in contexts related to civil unions or weddings. In a document approved by Pope Francis, the Vatican backed “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex”. However, it does not change the Catholic Church’s stance on same-sex marriages or unions. In 2021, the Vatican said the Church does not have the power to bless same-sex unions because God cannot “bless sin”. “To avoid any form of confusion or scandal”, blessings for same-sex couples cannot be “performed with any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding”.

Source: Nigerian Tribune December 18, 2023 18:08 UTC