Roman Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples in a historic decision endorsed by Pope Francis, the Vatican announced on Monday, provided that the blessings are not performed as part of regular church liturgies or rites.
According to a document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office, these blessings would indicate that God welcomes everyone rather than justify abnormal circumstances. It stated that it should not be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage.
It went on to say that it still sees marriage as a union of a man and a woman.
BBC reports that Pope Francis gave his approval to the Vatican’s announcement of the move. The Vatican said the blessings for same-sex couples should be a sign that “God welcomes all” but says priests must decide on a case-by-case basis.
The document further said priests “should not prevent or prohibit the Church’s closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God’s help through a simple blessing”.
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