Pope Francis to Allow Blessings for Same-Sex Couples
- New Vatican document explains rationale behind decision
- Church’s doctrine about marriage to remain unchanged
Pope Francis
Photographer: Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Pope Francis has approved blessings for same-sex couples, outlining a radical change in Catholic Church policy while maintaining its traditional doctrine on marriage.
A document published Monday by the Vatican’s doctrine office mentioned “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex.” People looking for God’s love and mercy should not be subjected to “an exhaustive moral analysis” before receiving a blessing, the document said.