Pope Francis has formally approved a significant change in the Catholic Church's stance on same-sex relationships, allowing priests to bless same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis. This landmark decision, which has been reported by multiple news outlets, marks a radical shift in Vatican policy and fully reverses a 2021 ruling that barred such blessings. The Vatican has issued guidelines providing conditional approval for these blessings, stressing that they should not imply equivalence to heterosexual marriage and must not resemble marriage ceremonies or be part of regular Church rituals or liturgies. The move has been described as a step towards inclusivity and a reflection of Pope Francis's pastoral vision, emphasizing that individuals seeking God's love and mercy should not be subject to exhaustive moral analysis. While the decision has been celebrated by many as a step forward for LGBTQ Catholics, it has also met with resistance and criticism from conservative factions within the Church.
How can Catholic priests bless same-sex unions? https://t.co/5fPrRo3Ptl
Priest replaces Joseph for same-sex nativity scene “Fr Sala, known in Italy for sympathising w/ LGBT + left-wing causes, says his attitude is in line with that of Pope Francis, who this week allowed priests to bless same-sex couples in a landmark ruling.” https://t.co/0OcNuunVLb
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
'This is a small push in the right direction, but it's not where I think many of the rest of the world thinks it should be.' @RiaLina_ reacts to the Pope formally allowing Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. Latest: https://t.co/xXtPeAW8Kg 📺 Sky 501 and YouTube https://t.co/KXiR2okmmH
Archbishop claims blessings for same-sex couples proves Pope Francis is 'servant of Satan' https://t.co/jsIHNULwpo
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
From @CSTOpinion: “While this major shift in church doctrine is welcome, it’s sad that same-sex couples still will be treated differently,” writes the Sun-Times Editorial Board on the Vatican's recent announcement allowing blessings for same-sex couples. https://t.co/ziXrKZ0hhv
Catholic bishops around the world push back on blessings for people in same-sex relationships https://t.co/PqydSCM1Wq
After approving blessings for same-sex couples, Pope asks Vatican staff to avoid 'rigid ideologies' https://t.co/i8D8ejx03g
NYC Catholic priest reveals his pride over blessing his first same-sex couple a day after Pope Francis gave his approval https://t.co/sLUqQ87npS https://t.co/leAq6aJp95
Conservative Catholic bishops in various countries have objected to Pope Francis’ recent permission on blessings for gay couples https://t.co/8biVEb8duq https://t.co/8biVEb8duq
After same-sex blessing ruling, pope decries inflexible ideologies https://t.co/GLM16t0ewM https://t.co/NBsQsnbi2x
Pope Francis has formally approved Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. The decision reverses a 2021 Vatican ruling condemning the blessing of gay unions, which argued that God 'cannot bless sin.' https://t.co/ukoZvRp8CN
Pope Francis made a historic change to Vatican policy Monday, allowing priests to bless same-sex couples. Some LGBTQ Catholics say the new policy will bring healing to queer Catholics, while others say the change does not go far enough. https://t.co/WZ1Wu8s1YY
Catholic church approves controversial priest blessings of same-sex couples Follow us on Odysee: https://t.co/gMbz1a2E5x https://t.co/BtE9NjYNIG
USA The Catholic Church has started blessing same sex couples, with the New York Times invited to one non spontaneous gathering to celebrate the occasion https://t.co/F6onsySHfm
A day after Pope Francis’ announcement that Catholic priests may bless same-sex couples, one New York couple received theirs. “It’s like we’re claiming our space.” https://t.co/0Zrn6GGuyG
Pope Francis formally approved the blessing of same-sex couples on Monday, a contrasting move with the Vatican's former stance. https://t.co/p7ZN5Zr1zd
Bless this pope for blessing the blessing of same-sex couples, David Von Drehle writes. https://t.co/M7P6ECLMIe
The fallout from the Vatican document on same sex blessings continues. Some dioceses have stated that will simply refuse to perform them. Others have stated that priests are expected to perform them. https://t.co/VIbnqdubsL
HOLY MOLY: The Catholic Church now approved to "bless" same-sex couples courtesy of Pope Francis https://t.co/kiWEpreaXd
Did The Pope Bless Same-Sex Couples? https://t.co/u3wZyqlSJW
"We have churches that say 'homosexuality isn't a sin.' You can't change scripture like that!" - @GmorganJr reacts to Pope Francis blessing same-sex couples. https://t.co/0frPQKCae9
Pope Francis says Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples https://t.co/oadNG4BT4I
What are your feelings about the Pope deciding to bless gay couples? https://t.co/ZheHzWxJYq
Chicago Catholics praise pope’s approval of blessings for same-sex couples: "This is such a huge shift." https://t.co/zpaNpvJ8VB
Pope Francis has officially approved priests to bless same-sex couples. https://t.co/AhiVx2Zu8l
🌈POPE APPROVES BLESSINGS FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES Pope Francis has authorized blessings for same-sex couples, a notable change in Church policy. However, these blessings will not mirror marriage ceremonies. This aligns with Francis' inclusive stance towards LGBTQ+ Catholics,… https://t.co/LBmhuBNrXr
Obama's Pope strikes again Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples… https://t.co/ffNzL0A9PF
Pope Francis’ Vatican says same sex couples can be blessed, but Church does not support unions https://t.co/UMXWUh6i8N
Pope Francis allowing the blessing of same-sex couples is a step forward, but Ed Kilgore writes that it shouldn’t be confused with marriage equality. The Catholic Church’s stance on marriage won’t change anytime soon. https://t.co/QKsxBaa4cb
🌈 Pope Francis breaks tradition by allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, signaling a shift in the Catholic Church's stance. The move is hailed as a "real development" by Cardinal Fernández, emphasizing the pastoral vision of Pope Francis. A step toward inclusivity. 🕊️🤝
Liberals have misinterpreted yesterday's Vatican announcement.on same-sex blessings. @Colsy99 on what the press gets wrong about the Catholic Church 👇 https://t.co/774xZiL3sm
"Extraordinary developments at the Vatican." Kevin O'Sullivan and Alex Phillips discuss news that Pope Francis has formally approved letting priests bless same sex couples. @TVKev | @ThatAlexWoman https://t.co/RiVKx5hbln
🇻🇦🏳️🌈 - Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples - Reuters The Vatican said on Monday in a landmark ruling approved by Pope Francis that Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or… https://t.co/ExUAOaItqj
ICYMI: 🗞 Pope approves priests giving same-sex blessings 🗞 @AndrewDoyle_Com, @LeoKearse, and @NickDixonComic react to a headline in the Telegraph 🗞 https://t.co/ZZ9U2cGy18 https://t.co/8OdhabFeL6
Pope Francis formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced Monday, a radical shift in policy that aimed at making the church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage. https://t.co/ur9xTZgdBm
Pope Francis formally authorized Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples — but only on a case-by-case basis https://t.co/utiwQQuPdp https://t.co/gFdD8W57Xp
Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples https://t.co/pCZa2SI7WV
Pope Francis announced on Monday that he would allow priests to bless same-sex couples. The shift angered some conservatives but was celebrated by those who said it was a substantial step in moving the church toward greater acceptance of LGBTQ Catholics. https://t.co/vJl1nwfljO
In radical shift, Pope Francis approves priestly blessings for same-sex couples https://t.co/vxfelQyiPT . Click to read ⬇️
In a historic announcement from the Vatican, Pope Francis has formally signed off on a new policy allowing Catholic Priests to bless same-sex couples. https://t.co/peIsCeolue https://t.co/AS9uBqDWVX
Pope Francis has formally approved allowing Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples in a radical change in policy. Read more ⬇ https://t.co/4fn83AXYul
IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR MY CATHOLIC FRIENDS: No, Pope Francis Did Not Approve the Blessing of Same-Sex Unions https://t.co/FjqNjMBdcD @LegInsurrection @mchastain81 #Catholic #PopeFrancis
The Vatican, in a landmark ruling approved by Pope Francis, says that Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies https://t.co/utiwQQvn2X https://t.co/k1rx41ElPv
Chicago react to Pope decision on same sex couples. @archchicago https://t.co/RTET9mLrD5
Pope Francis is now allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, and Chicagoans are reacting to the decision. https://t.co/nySvUrjSZD
On the one hand, @EdMorrissey is right: the Pope has not just allowed the Church to bless same-sex unions https://t.co/wftl8UlHfb On the other hand, @michaelbd is also right: the Pope has been deliberately ambiguous in order to permit that perception https://t.co/rTOxMiJJAp
Pastor of LGBTQ-friendly Chicago church reacts to Pope Francis saying priests can bless same-sex couples https://t.co/hTc5SXZKDP https://t.co/qz260mjprs
🗞 Pope approves priests giving same-sex blessings 🗞 @AndrewDoyle_Com, @LeoKearse, and @NickDixonComic react to a headline in the Telegraph 🗞 https://t.co/ZZ9U2cGy18
The Vatican has outlined the rules under which same-sex couples can receive a blessing https://t.co/luXEZgGL0V https://t.co/tyEbvT6JpB
Pope Francis knew what he was doing, w/ambiguity in today's statement. This is an interim step to get recalcitrant Catholics used to seeing same-sex blessings, so that they will accept full marriage when a liberal Francis successor introduces it -- to popular acclaim in the West. https://t.co/75gJ2uVQR6
LGBTQ community reacts to Pope Francis saying priests can bless same sex unions https://t.co/FsvdCnhYb0 https://t.co/W7dzzwyeBR
Pope Francis Opens Door to Blessing Same-Sex Unions. Read more: https://t.co/LQvRLYWP00 The Catholic Church has further opened to the door to the blessing of same-sex unions – priests remain barred from pe...
Pope Francis formally approves allowing priests to bless same-sex couples Read more ⬇ https://t.co/0gsMGWlxUx
Pope Francis has formally approved letting priests bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced Monday. AP’s Nicole Winfield explains what the radical shift in policy means for the Catholic Church. https://t.co/ZC3aCFrI02
Pope Francis' Vatican says same sex couples can be blessed, but Church does not support unions What do you think of this move? 👇 https://t.co/wikoexmkrA
Pope says priests can bless same-sex unions, requests should not be subject to moral analysis https://t.co/rRGnnBqBKF https://t.co/X758j4KhhY
Pope Francis Approves Blessings For Same-Sex Couples In Win For Progressive Catholics https://t.co/ewuZBDKDqW
Pope Francis has officially sanctioned the blessing of same-sex couples in a new document, signaling a radical shift in Vatican policy by highlighting that individuals seeking God’s love and mercy should not undergo an exhaustive moral evaluation to receive it. https://t.co/NlcM3JDvv6
Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy. https://t.co/HjSzQBDluA
BREAKING REPORT: Pope officially approves Priests blessing SAME-SEX UNIONS, claims requests should not be subject to moral analysis.. This development, outlined in a new document, emphasizes that individuals in search of God's love and mercy should not be hindered by detailed… https://t.co/4IKGvU9RL9
The Vatican has approved blessings for same-sex couples, a hugely contested issue in the Catholic Church, as long as they are not in contexts related to civil unions or weddings. https://t.co/R6wM4vjwrE https://t.co/IXHFeygWG5
Pope Francis formally approves letting priests bless same-sex couples https://t.co/Kd8qQV3VPS https://t.co/6Dlsnzs6Vi
Vatican authorises blessings for same-sex couples, with caveats https://t.co/Z73SoeDSFn
The Vatican has approved a landmark ruling to allow Roman Catholic priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples under certain conditions ⤵️ https://t.co/Hn0d2jiMKj
Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples with limits https://t.co/s7X6YnXV7e
Pope Francis formally approves letting priests bless same-sex couples - but reaffirms marriage is between a man and a woman https://t.co/u15Mlje0Dw
VATICAN A new document on same sex blessings has caused controversy today. https://t.co/trsQOrjYAT
The Church is blessing sin. Vatican Reverses Ban on Blessing Gay Couples https://t.co/xayaVwygWK via @BreitbartNews
BREAKING: POPE FRANCIS FORMALLY APPROVES ALLOWING PRIESTS TO BLESS SAME-SEX COUPLES https://t.co/3hj03Xgcpr
Catholic Church will now bless same-sex couples https://t.co/Jb5umj3Uzn
tl;dr: The Vatican has not officially approved blessings for “same-sex unions,” as some in the media are reporting, but nevertheless, weaponized ambiguity can be expected to cause scandal, as we’ve seen consistently for some years now. https://t.co/nwAyV2W5FK
VATICAN APPROVES BLESSINGS FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES (Reuters) The Vatican said on Monday in a landmark ruling approved by Pope Francis that Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies. https://t.co/RbK6L6Aqm6
The Vatican said in a landmark ruling approved by Pope Francis that Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies https://t.co/vBI8NEKlrw
Pope Francis has given the OK for Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples—a radical shift in the church’s treatment of LGBTQ Catholics. The decision to go through with the blessings will remain with individual priests. https://t.co/mgoWuYFZb8
BREAKING - YOUR REACTION: Pope Francis makes seismic shift in the Catholic church's policy, formally approves allowing priests to bless same-sex couples. NOTE: In a new document explaining the radical change in Vatican policy Francis says people seeking God’s love and mercy… https://t.co/HA3LUzYEXu
New directive from the Pope to bless same-sex couples is limited but certainly a welcome step for many https://t.co/6qIVullt01
Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples 'if it doesn't resemble marriage' https://t.co/UX1jUzqQ61
Pope Francis has approved blessings for same-sex couples, outlining a radical change in Catholic Church policy while maintaining its traditional doctrine on marriage https://t.co/igoYVkAaCo
Pope Francis just announced same-sex blessings today Human Events readers always ahead of the curve @TaylorRMarshall https://t.co/XcmfnjNhri
NEW: Vatican authorizes blessings for same-sex couples, with caveats https://t.co/yQGvrADE5z
Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples, outlining a radical change in Catholic Church policy https://t.co/lpzXf6ZBkb
Pope Francis has approved blessings for same-sex couples, outlining a radical change in Catholic Church policy while maintaining its’ traditional doctrine on marriage https://t.co/3ZoBFOtTtn
BREAKING: Pope Francis formally approves allowing priests to bless same-sex couples
The media was chomping at the bit this morning to report that Pope Francis is telling priests to bless "same-sex unions." Let's look at what he actually said. https://t.co/chnYxX62rv https://t.co/chnYxX62rv
What did the Vatican actually say about blessing 'same-sex couples'? A readers' guide for busy Catholics: https://t.co/YCzp9rZILP
Pope Francis has authorized priests to bless same-sex couples https://t.co/yDy1ZZ1cfJ
Pope Francis says priests can bless same-sex couples but marriage is between a man and a woman https://t.co/wDKBVIcVbs https://t.co/To6zKAVJiL
The Vatican published guidelines for priests blessing same-sex relationships, permitting such ceremonies but stressing that they must not imply that the unions are the equivalent of heterosexual marriage https://t.co/FPl1Twwgyx https://t.co/FPl1Twwgyx
BREAKING: Pope Francis approves blessing of same-sex couples by priests https://t.co/PnlgVXf1tt
Pope says Roman Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples https://t.co/fAa7EsY9ey
BREAKING: Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples in landmark church ruling https://t.co/k2OYEJUD00
BREAKING: Pope Francis gives blessing for same-sex couples in landmark ruling https://t.co/k2OYEJUD00
Priests can bless same-sex unions, pope says https://t.co/3FxvwCxio8
Pope Francis approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples under certain circumstances, the Vatican has announced. This expands on a progressive shift to Roman Catholic Church doctrine around blessings that the Pope proposed earlier this year. https://t.co/CwNkjXyE5O
The Vatican published guidelines for priests blessing same-sex relationships, permitting such ceremonies but stressing that they must not imply that the unions are the equivalent of heterosexual marriage https://t.co/ZjKQZho3VY via @WSJ
The Vatican on Monday issued its most definitive permission yet for Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, as long as those benedictions are kept separate from marriage, a decree that fully reverses a 2021 ruling. https://t.co/kxYZNQEyM1
Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples https://t.co/wuEhBk9uDJ
Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document explaining that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive it. https://t.co/3aEDVSXWXr
Pope Francis formally approved same-sex blessings Monday. https://t.co/4Oyl9yN0Hd
Pope Francis formally approved same-sex blessings Monday, clearing the way for Catholic priests to bless people without subjecting them to “an exhaustive moral analysis,” the latest in a string of radical changes to the church under Francis’ tenure. https://t.co/RRPW3RCxuW
✝️ BREAKING: Pope Francis is now allowing priests to bless same-sex relationships — one of the most concrete steps in his efforts to make the Roman Catholic Church more welcoming to LGBTQ Catholics. Do you agree with his decision? https://t.co/YLI9z7M0Pd
BREAKING: Pope Francis allows blessing same-sex relationships Story from @gerryorome https://t.co/ZpSGsBQq4h
Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples if the rituals don’t resemble marriage https://t.co/iCLz7dYHzC
Pope Francis Officially Approves Priests Blessing Same Sex Couples via @gatewaypundit https://t.co/osUPRwrLtX
Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples. https://t.co/4dwJU4YorV
Vatican gives conditional approval to blessings for same-sex couples https://t.co/IlVL6b3y6g
Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God's love and mercy shouldn't be subject to "an exhaustive moral analysis" to receive it. https://t.co/agCL7goaCb https://t.co/BHQOBoPHkw
BREAKING: Pope Francis says priests can bless same-sex couples. https://t.co/8IWWrcLzgW https://t.co/24MDHwQbRx
The Vatican has officially authorized Catholic clergy to bless homosexual couples, the Catholic News Agency reports. https://t.co/JdrhJga6K9
Pope Francis says priests can bless same-sex couples
Pope Francis says priests can bless same-sex unions, requests shouldn't be matter of moral analysis. https://t.co/Jd0glLQ6jH Click the image to read more:
Mar 2021: "Vatican bars gay union blessing, says God 'can't bless sin'" Oct 2023: "Pope suggests blessings for same-sex unions possible in response to 5 conservative cardinals" Today: "Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples if the rituals don’t resemble marriage"
Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples. A new document shows a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting people seeking God's love and mercy shouldn't be subject to "an exhaustive moral analysis" to receive it. https://t.co/NQ4dFCzDVL https://t.co/tVe46eGPIv
So now, in Pope Francis’s church, priests can formally bless same-sex couples, but cannot say the Tridentine mass. https://t.co/KMxDQYqbwC
The #Vatican has allowed the blessing of same-sex couples, as reported by the Catholic News Agency. It is reported that priests should decide on a case-by-case basis and "should not prevent or prohibit the Church's closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek… https://t.co/EorIkdOJHC
Pope Francis has approved priests to bless same-sex couples. https://t.co/CBnKJnQZLd
Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples under certain conditions https://t.co/T4Tg9zr7x0 https://t.co/ETnHcYeihi