The Vatican allowed priests to bless same-sex couples

Catholic priests have been allowed to bless homosexual couples since December 18. The Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith – the department responsible for the orthodoxy and purity of beliefs and morals preached in the Roman Catholic Church – with the express permission of Pope Francis, published the declaration “Fiducia supplicans” (calling for trust).

“German Wave” draws attention to the fact that the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Victor Fernandez of Argentina, makes a clear distinction in his published declaration between the sacrament of marriage and the blessing of people who love each other. According to church doctrine, sex is permitted only in marriage between a man and a woman; only heterosexual couples can get married in the church. And “Fiducia supplicans” does not change this relationship, Fernandez emphasized. Therefore, priests who bless a homosexual couple must ensure that this act does not look like marriage – that is, like a sacrament.

The blessing cannot be given in connection with a civil ceremony or registration of a civil partnership. The taboo on the exchange of rings and the appearance of a couple in wedding dresses continues to apply.

The publication emphasizes that the prefect’s act does not call into question the Church’s fundamental position regarding homosexuality, namely that same-sex intimate acts are “inherently wrong.”

The declaration to a lesser extent concerns sexual morality, and to a greater extent – the question of open parishes, in which homosexuals should also feel welcome guests, the German Catholic agency KNA draws attention.