By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jan 29, 2024 / 14:40 pm Pope Francis suggested that the opposition to the Vatican’s approval of nonliturgical blessings for same-sex couples mostly comes from “small ideological groups” with the exception of Africa, which he said is “a special case.” “Those who vehemently protest belong …

By Matthew Santucci Rome Newsroom, Jan 26, 2024 / 12:00 pm Pope Francis on Friday clarified the Vatican’s position on same-sex blessings, affirming the recent declaration Fiducia Supplicans and emphasizing that “moral perfection” isn’t a requirement for receiving a blessing. The Dec. 18, 2023, document, published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the …

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Jan 4, 2024 / 10:10 am The Vatican’s doctrine office issued a response on Thursday to “clarify the reception of Fiducia Supplicans” amid widespread international backlash to the Vatican’s recent declaration on same-sex blessings. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of …

By Jonathan Liedl Rome Newsroom, Jan 3, 2024 / 18:20 pm Amid significant confusion about the Vatican’s recent guidance on same-sex blessings, the document’s architect has lashed out at those advancing the most liberal interpretation: Catholic leadership in Germany. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine …

By Joe Bukuras CNA Staff, Dec 29, 2023 / 17:30 pm Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie, once an opponent of same-sex marriage, said Thursday his views on the matter have shifted, citing the Vatican’s recent document on same-sex blessings as evidence that “even the Church is changing.” “And so you know …

By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 20, 2023 / 18:10 pm Catholic bishops around the world are deeply divided on a Vatican declaration that permits nonliturgical blessings of homosexual couples: some bishops are welcoming the news, some are approaching it with caution, while others are outright refusing to implement it. In some …

By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 18, 2023 / 18:20 pm A Vatican-issued declaration on blessing “same-sex couples” and couples in other “irregular situations” does not change the Catholic Church’s teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman, according to a statement issued by the United States bishops. …

By Jonathan Liedl Rome Newsroom, Dec 18, 2023 / 15:22 pm The Vatican has issued new guidance on the topic of blessings of same-sex attracted people, stating that Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples as an expression of pastoral closeness without condoning their sexual relations. The ruling, which also applies to …