"Pope Francis Defends LGBTQ Blessings Against Critics"

Pope Francis strongly defends his decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples, denouncing the "hypocrisy" of those who criticize LGBTQ blessings while overlooking other grave sins. The move has faced significant resistance, particularly from African bishops, who have effectively rejected the Vatican's authorization. Francis, known for promoting a more welcoming and less judgmental Catholic Church, has emphasized that blessings do not amount to formal Church approval for same-sex unions and hopes critics will eventually understand them, while acknowledging the special opposition to homosexuality in Africa.