Pope Francis Clarifies Stance on Same-Sex Couple Blessings

Facts

Pope Francis on Friday said that individuals who are in a same-sex relationship can be blessed by the Church, but their union cannot be, clarifying the Catholic Church’s stance on the issue after a Vatican document stirred controversy last month.¹
On Dec. 18, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) published a document authorizing non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples and others in relationships the Church considers “irregular,” such as people who are divorced or remarried.²
Addressing members of the doctrinal office, the pope said that blessings are meant “to concretely show the closeness of the Lord and the church to all those who, finding themselves in different situations, ask for help to carry on,” adding that sometimes such people may be just starting their journey of faith.³
Francis reaffirmed the Church’s stance on marriage and sexual teachings, noting that the Vatican has never called for same-sex unions to be recognized as marriages. However, he said that “moral perfection” isn't necessary to receive a blessing from the Church.⁴
Many church leaders have spoken out against December's Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust) document, with Pope Francis and DDF head, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, having since made multiple statements clarifying the Church’s stance.¹

Conservative narrative, as provided by Churchmilitant. The Catholic Church’s recent statements on same-sex relationships have pushed the boundaries of Catholic doctrine, and Pope Francis' doctrinal chief needs to be replaced by a serious theologian. In the Fiducia Supplicans, Cardinal Fernandez essentially called for the blessing of people shamelessly engaged in irregular relations, something he and the pope have needed to walk back. However, it's clear there's a serious ideological threat that seeks to undermine long-standing Catholic teachings about marriage and morality.
Progressive narrative, as provided by National Catholic Reporter. The right-wing detractors of Pope Francis within the Catholic Church are seeking to spin the DDF’s statement and demonize any sort of compassion for the LGBTQ+ community. Pope Francis has never called for a change to Catholic teachings; rather he and Cardinal Fernandez are simply acknowledging that all people are welcomed by the Church. Pope Francis’ willingness to bless everyone should be celebrated instead of criticized.