Pope Francis has approved the blessing of same-sex couples by Roman Catholic priests.
Pope Francis’ order marked a huge step forward for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in the Catholic Church.
The Vatican has previously been at odds with many of its progressive followers on the issue, but the Pope’s decision revealed a shift in the official stance of the Church.
Pope Francis approved a document issued by the Vatican while announcing the change on Monday.
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He, however, stated that the blessings should be decided on a case-by-case basis and not be seen as equivalent to heterosexual wedding ceremonies.
According to him, the Church cannot bless sin, and same-sex unions are not morally acceptable from an objective point of view.
Nonetheless, he has also called for the clergy to show pastoral charity, including kindness, patience, understanding, tenderness, and encouragement.
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Church, said on Monday that the new declaration remained “firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage.”
