All articles tagged with #same sex couples
South Korea will now recognize same-sex couples in its national census, allowing them to select 'spouse' or 'cohabiting partner' options, marking a step towards greater recognition of LGBTQ+ citizens despite ongoing restrictions on marriage and other rights.
Pope Francis defended the Vatican's authorization of blessings for same-sex couples, stating that everyone should be respected and blessings should be extended to all. He clarified that he doesn't bless "homosexual marriage" but rather two people who love each other, and emphasized that the blessing should not be denied to anyone capable of receiving baptism. The Pope's comments come amid ongoing controversy over the document, which has faced criticism and concern, particularly from Church leaders in Africa and Eastern Europe.
Pope Francis defended the Vatican's authorization of blessings for same-sex couples, stating that everyone should be respected and blessings should be extended to all. He emphasized that he blesses individuals who love each other and asks for their prayers, and that the intent is to show the closeness of the Church to those seeking help in their faith journey. The pope's comments come amid ongoing controversy over the document, which has faced criticism and concern, particularly from Church leaders in Africa and Eastern Europe.
Pope Francis defended a Vatican document on blessings for same-sex couples, clarifying that they are not an approval of a potentially sinful lifestyle but rather a way for individuals seeking to get closer to God. He emphasized that the blessings are meant to show the Church's support for those in different situations and should not be given in a liturgical context. The document caused widespread debate in the Church, with some bishops refusing to implement it, particularly in Africa where same-sex activity can lead to severe penalties.
Pope Francis publicly addressed resistance to the Vatican's declaration on blessings for same-sex couples, emphasizing that "the Lord blesses everyone" and that a blessing is an invitation to dialogue. He urged expressing concerns through fraternal discussion and clarified that the Church's doctrine on marriage has not changed. While the declaration allows non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples, it will depend on local contexts and discernment of each diocesan bishop. Additionally, he stated that an LGBT organization cannot be blessed, but individuals can be blessed, and the declaration will not be implemented in Africa due to cultural differences.
Pope Francis responded to resistance to the Vatican's declaration on blessings for same-sex couples, stating that "the Lord blesses everyone" and emphasizing the pastoral work of the Church to help individuals on their spiritual journey. He clarified that the Church's doctrine on marriage has not changed and that people are blessed, not sin. The declaration will not be implemented in Africa due to cultural reasons, and the intention is to bless people, not organizations.
African bishops, with Pope Francis' agreement, release a statement expressing their reluctance to offer blessings to same-sex couples, citing cultural context and potential confusion. The bishops reaffirm their commitment to church teaching on marriage while acknowledging the Vatican's recent declaration on pastoral blessings. They emphasize the need for respect and dignity towards individuals with a homosexual tendency, but maintain their preference not to offer blessings to same-sex couples in their dioceses.
African Church reaffirms its communion with Pope Francis but rejects the blessing of same-sex couples, citing potential scandal and confusion. Cardinal Ambongo, president of SECAM, states that the Church's doctrine on Christian marriage and sexuality remains unchanged, emphasizing the cultural ethos of African communities. The Church in Africa commits to continuing pastoral assistance to all its members, while maintaining that unions of persons of the same sex are contrary to the will of God and cannot receive the blessing of the Church.
The Vatican has clarified that priests blessing same-sex couples is not an endorsement of homosexuality, nor is it blasphemous, following confusion and negative reactions from some bishops. Pope Francis had approved a ruling allowing such blessings, provided they are without ritual and do not imply church approval of the relationships. The Vatican emphasized that blessings should be brief and not associated with civil union ceremonies or resemble wedding rituals. This measure is seen as a significant pastoral shift in the church's approach to gay couples, but it maintains the church's traditional stance on marriage.
Pope Francis, after approving blessings for same-sex couples, urged Vatican staff to avoid "rigid ideological positions" and to listen to one another and to others in order to truly serve the Catholic Church. He emphasized the importance of advancing and growing in understanding, rather than fearfully sticking to rules. The pope's annual Christmas greeting to the Vatican hierarchy came in the same week he formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, reversing a previous Vatican policy. Progressives and advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion welcomed the decision, while conservatives and traditionalists criticized it.
A day after Pope Francis announced that Catholic priests may bless same-sex couples, a same-sex couple in New York received a blessing from a Jesuit priest, Rev. James Martin. The couple stood before Father Martin in a living room, where he performed a simple blessing without any robes or text. While the decision does not change the church's doctrine on marriage, it is seen as a significant gesture of openness and pastoral care. The response from individual priests across the country remains uncertain, with more liberal dioceses potentially being more accepting. Some LGBTQ+ Catholics welcomed the news, while others felt it was too little, too late to bring them back to the church.
The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland responded to Pope Francis' approval of priests blessing same-sex couples by acknowledging their desire for God's help but reiterating that marriage is between a man and a woman. The diocese stated that anyone seeking God's help in living holy lives, including those in same-sex relationships, can be blessed by the Church's ministers. The new document emphasizes that blessings should not be subject to an exhaustive moral analysis and do not change Church teaching. The Cleveland diocese has been at odds with Pope Francis over LGBTQ-related matters, including transgender issues.
Pope Francis announced that priests can now bless same-sex couples, a decision celebrated by LGBTQ Catholics as a significant step towards acceptance. However, conservative Catholics in the United States expressed disappointment and disagreement, stating that the decision contradicts the church's teaching on sinful relationships. The new rule allows blessings for same-sex couples but does not permit same-sex marriages within the church. This marks a departure from the Vatican's previous stance and signifies a shift in the church's approach to LGBTQ issues.
Pope Francis has approved blessings for same-sex couples, allowing priests to perform them as long as they do not resemble marriage rituals. While the Vatican maintains its opposition to same-sex marriage, this move is seen as historic by LGBTQ+ advocates. The document emphasizes that blessings offer a means to increase trust in God and should not be hindered. The decision has been praised as a positive contribution to the church's pastoral response to complex situations. While it does not indicate acceptance of same-sex marriage, it may lead to a greater discussion and questioning of the church's stance in the future.
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.