"Pope Francis' Remarks on Same-Sex Blessings in Africa Spark Controversy"

Pope Francis addressed criticism from African bishops over his approval of nonliturgical blessings for same-sex couples, stating that the pushback from Africa was influenced by cultural views on homosexuality. The African bishops argued that such blessings would contradict cultural norms and the natural law regarding marriage and family in their communities. While some African bishops and those in central Asia called for a reversal of the pope's directive, bishops across Europe, including in France, Austria, and Germany, have expressed support for the Vatican's guidelines on same-sex blessings.