"Pope Francis' Historic Approval: Blessings for Same-Sex Couples Gain Support"

Pope Francis has authorized Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, marking a significant shift in the church's approach to LGBTQ+ people. The blessings can be performed as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, nor conducted simultaneously with a civil union. The ruling expands on the pope's previous opening to blessing same-sex couples and diverges from a 2021 Vatican ruling that prohibited such blessings. The decision emphasizes the grace of God working in the lives of sinners and leaves the discernment of ordained ministers to decide on blessings for couples in irregular situations. The move has been hailed as a "huge step forward" by supporters, while likely facing resistance from a minority within the church.