Pope Francis has allowed priests to informally bless same-sex couples, a move seen as a significant step for LGBTQ Catholics. Rev. James Martin, one of the first to give same-sex marriage blessings in the U.S., discusses the development. However, this decision has faced opposition from some conservative figures within the Vatican, who argue that it trivializes sin and confuses the faithful. The timing of the move is noted to have been influenced by the discussions the Pope had with LGBTQ Catholics and their supporters over the years, as well as conservative opposition. Some national Catholic bishops' conferences have rejected the Pope's permission, leading to questions about how individual priests in such dioceses could be punished for following the Pope's directive.
How can Catholic priests bless same-sex unions? https://t.co/5fPrRo3Ptl
Former Vatican Chief: Blessing Gay Couples ‘Trivializes Sin,’ ‘Confuses the Faithful’ https://t.co/0X5IOIotNH
This week, for the first time, the Pope has allowed priests to informally bless same-sex couples. This is seen as a huge step forward for LGBTQ Catholics. Rev. James Martin talks with Bianna Golodryga about giving one of the first same-sex marriage blessings in the U.S. https://t.co/yb1JFi4VBC
Some natl Catholic bishops' confs reject Pope's permission to bless same-sex couples. What happens if indiv priest in such a diocese blesses gay couple? How can his bishop punish him if he's only doing what the Pope said he could? Frank the Hippie Pope has made a mess, f'sure! https://t.co/bSSTjRISAM
Pope Says Catholic Priests Can Bless Same-Sex Couples, but Not Their Union https://t.co/haXlHl6AN6
Pope Francis spoke with LGBTQ Catholics and their supporters for years before allowing priests to bless same-sex couples. But the timing of the move also owed something to its conservative opponents. https://t.co/e7XtozADU4