Vatican Clarifies Stance Amidst Episcopal Pushback on Same-Sex Blessings

The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a clarification on its directive regarding same-sex blessings, amidst global controversy. Cardinal Fernández emphasized the distinction between "liturgical or ritualized" and "spontaneous or pastoral" blessings, stating that the latter should not be seen as an endorsement of a couple's lifestyle but as a simple pastoral gesture. The clarification comes after some bishops expressed confusion or opposition to the original declaration, Fiducia Supplicans, and outlines that blessings should be brief, not ritualized, and not conducted in a way that could cause doctrinal confusion. The Vatican also acknowledged the need for local discernment and sensitivity to local laws regarding homosexuality.