Pope Francis’s decision that allows people in same-sex relationships to receive blessings has resulted in differing reactions within the Catholic Church, with some asking for additional time to allow for proper reflection.
“Fiducia Supplicans,” a document signed by Pope Francis, was released on Monday and indicated that a priest may offer a blessing “outside of a liturgical framework” to couples in “irregular situations,” which includes those in same-sex relationships. In the wake of this news, Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of the archdiocese in Mobile, Alabama, stated that “reflection and consultation” are needed to best address this update from the pope.
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“This morning the Vatican issued the Declaration, ‘Fiducia Supplicans,’ which was approved by Pope Francis,” a statement from Rodi said, which was issued by the archdiocese. “Since it was only released today, there has not been sufficient time to reflect upon it. In particular, reflection and consultation will be necessary in order to determine the most appropriate fashion to give a blessing to a couple while at the same time, and as required by the Vatican document, avoiding any element that remotely resembles a marriage rite. It is also important to note that the Archdiocese of Mobile is always guided by the teachings of the Holy Father.”
Some within the Catholic Church have argued that the church’s teachings on marriage being between one man and one woman have not changed with the pope’s decision. As such, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement on Monday, stating that pastoral blessings are different from sacramental blessings, as the former can be given to people who want God’s grace.
“The Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and mercy in our lives,” the statement said.
Beyond the Catholic Church, 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson shared her take on the pope’s decision, stating that “millions of lives will be released from judgement” with his decision.
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“Much respect for him for this,” Williamson wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This is truly a great thing.”
Pope Francis is now allowing priests to bless same sex unions. He says such unions should not be subject to “exhaustive moral analysis” and that anyone seeking God‘s love and mercy should receive it.
Millions of lives will be released from judgement by this, many families…
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) December 18, 2023
The release of “Fiducia Supplicans” comes a month after Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, the prefect for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith, released a “responsa ad dubia,” or response to a question, that asked if priests were permitted to offer blessings to people in same-sex relationships. Fernandez, in his response, iterated many of the same points that were included in Monday’s document while again noting that such blessings cannot be confused with a marriage blessing.
