Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer at the Vatican, January 7, 2024. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
Pope Francis has offered a robust defense of his decision to authorize priests to bless same-sex couples, characterizing criticism of the move as hypocritical. The Vatican document titled “Fiducia Supplicans” (Supplicating Trust), issued last month, permitted blessings for LGBT individuals, yet encountered notable opposition within the Catholic Church, particularly from African bishops.
In an interview excerpt published by the Italian Catholic magazine Credere, Pope Francis remarked on the perceived hypocrisy in the differential treatment between blessing homosexual individuals and other societal members, such as businessmen engaged in exploitative practices. He highlighted the inconsistency in finding scandal only in the former scenario.
The pontiff expressed an inclusive stance towards LGBT individuals and remarried divorcees, stating his willingness to welcome them to the sacrament of confession. Additionally, he emphasized his belief in extending blessings to all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds or identities, echoing sentiments previously conveyed during a Catholic youth festival in Portugal.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has endeavored to foster a more welcoming and less judgmental environment within the Catholic Church. However, this approach has faced opposition from conservative factions, who argue that it risks undermining the Church’s moral teachings.
While Pope Francis has defended the Fiducia Supplicans document on multiple occasions, he has acknowledged the resistance it has encountered, particularly in regions where local sensitivities may differ. He clarified that such blessings should not be construed as formal Church endorsement of same-sex unions, emphasizing that the blessings are directed towards the individuals themselves rather than their unions.
It is important to note that the Catholic Church maintains teachings that characterize homosexual activity as sinful and disordered, while encouraging individuals with same-sex attractions to strive for chastity.
In a separate interview published by Italy’s La Stampa daily, Pope Francis expressed hope that critics of LGBT blessings would eventually come to understand them, although he acknowledged the unique challenges posed by African opposition to homosexuality. African bishops have rejected the Fiducia Supplicans document, citing concerns over potential scandal. Both Pope Francis and Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, the head of the Vatican’s doctrinal department, have acknowledged and accepted this position.
In certain African countries, homosexuality is subject to severe legal penalties, including imprisonment and even the death penalty.
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