The Vatican has formally sanctioned the prospect of blessing same-sex marriages.
The Pope-approved decision marks a dramatic shift in the Catholic Church’s attitude on LGBTQ+ matters.
The Vatican’s doctrinal office produced a new statement emphasizing that those seeking God’s love and compassion need not be subjected to an extensive moral inquiry in order to receive graces.
While the Vatican maintains marriage as a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman, it now allows non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples in specific situations.
The regulation expressly prohibits the blessings from being associated with civil unions or wedding ceremonies and emphasizes that such requests should not be flatly refused.
“Even when a person’s relationship with God is clouded by sin, he can always ask for a blessing, stretching out his hand to God,” the document said.
LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have lauded the decision as a significant step towards greater inclusiveness within the Church.
It has, however, generated debate among traditionalists, with some calling the choice heretical.
