Does the pope bless gay marriage

He acknowledged this could take time, saying "the change of the Catholic Church happens by evolution, not by revolution. Featured Weekly Ad. In a major development, the Vatican said priests may bless same-sex couples in informal settings, such as a meeting or visit to a shrine, so long as the blessing does not appear to endorse a marriage.

Bretzke, from John Carroll University, said although the document is a positive step forward, he doesn't believe it's an indicator that the church will accept same-sex marriage. Pope Francis has expressed openness to Catholic blessings for same-sex couples, under the condition they are not confused with marriage ceremonies for men and women, in what could be a watershed.

DeBernardo, however, said he believes the document will result in more same-sex couples receiving these blessings and open a greater discussion that could someday lead to the acceptance of same-sex marriage.

Pope signals openness to

Pope Francis released the document in December, formally approving priests to bless same-sex couples, so long as the blessing does not resemble a wedding. WHAT DOES THE DOCUMENT SAY? The document from the Vatican’s doctrine office explicitly says priests can offer blessings to same-sex couples provided the blessings themselves don’t in any way resemble a marriage.

Last month, the Vatican made public a document saying under certain circumstances, transgender people can be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents. Doctrinal dicastery explains how, when gay couples can be blessed The Vatican offered a narrow set of conditions under which a priest or deacon could give a blessing to a same-sex or other unmarried couple, making it clear the church does not consider their unions a marriage but also recognizing how anyone can ask for a blessing when they are seeking God's assistance, mercy and grace.

Doctrinal dicastery explains how

Add Topic. To avoid any confusion, the blessing should not be offered in conjunction with a civil union ceremony, gay or straight. Last year, Francis directed parents around the world not to condemn their children if they are gay. But the document says requests for blessings from same-sex couples should not be denied, so long as the blessing is not conferred at the same time as a civil union, using set rituals or with the clothing and gestures that are part of a wedding.

Jim Bretzke, a priest and professor of theology at John Carroll University in Ohio, said that while the Pope will likely face criticism from both those within the church who oppose same-sex marriage and supporters who don't feel the church has gone far enough, the document is a "very positive contribution to the church's pastoral and theological understanding some of these complex situations.

But the Vatican has maintained its opposition to same-sex marriage.