Lead story

Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples that must not resemble marriage

Editor's note:

It became apparent early in Pope Francis’ papacy that he would take a more welcoming approach to LGBTQ people than his predecessors. The initial high-profile moment came in 2013 with his memorable “Who am I to judge” reply when asked about a purportedly gay priest. Since then, step by step, he has broadened that outreach. He assailed the laws in many countries that criminalize homosexuality. He said it’s permissible, under certain circumstances, for transgender people to be baptized as Catholics. 

This week, in the latest initiative, the Vatican released a document in which Francis formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples. As AP Vatican correspondent Nicole Winfield reported, the document stresses that these blessings should not be conflated with marriage, which remains a sacrament limited to a man and a woman. Even so, it's a marked change from 2021, when the Vatican said the church couldn’t bless the unions of two men or two women because “God cannot bless sin.” 

This newsletter will take a pause next week; it will return on Jan. 4, 2024. 

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Commentary and Analysis

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Pope Francis' approval of blessings for LGBTQ+ couples is a historic gesture, according to a Catholic theologian

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