"Vatican and French Bishops Grapple with Same-Sex Blessings Controversy"

The Vatican's doctrinal office, led by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, released a five-page clarification on the "Fiducia Supplicans" guidance regarding the blessing of same-sex couples. The original guidance, which allowed for pastoral blessings without changing the Church's stance on marriage, faced backlash from conservative Catholic bishops. The clarification emphasizes that the Church's teaching on marriage remains unchanged and that the blessings are not to be ritualized or seen as an approval of same-sex unions. The response aims to be a pastoral solution acceptable to all, despite differing global perspectives within the Church.