Pope Francis has authorized priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples, marking a historic step for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Roman Catholic Church.

As reported by the BBC, the head of the Catholic Church stated that, in certain cases, priests should be permitted to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples. The Vatican clarified that these blessings should not be integrated into routine Church ceremonies or linked to civil unions or weddings. The Church’s traditional view of marriage, defined as between a man and a woman, remains unchanged.

The Vatican’s document outlining this decision, approved by Pope Francis, emphasizes that priests should make individual decisions, signaling that “God welcomes all.”

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the Church’s prefect, made it clear that this revised position does not confer official recognition to same-sex couples within the Catholic Church.

While representing a change in tone, the declaration maintains the Church’s traditional stance. In 2021, Pope Francis prohibited priests from blessing same-sex marriages, citing the belief that God cannot “bless sin.”

A blessing in the Catholic Church typically involves a prayer or entreaty recited by a minister, seeking God’s favor for those receiving it.

The announcement follows Pope Francis‘ hint in October 2022 that he might be open to same-sex couples receiving Church blessings. Despite unclear positions from Church officials, bishops in several countries had previously allowed priests to bless same-sex marriages, according to the BBC.

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