Blessings Denied to LGBTQ Community
Vatican Will not Bless LGBTQ Community
Pope Francis states his stand on LGBTQ and religion
March 26, 2021
The Vatican said Monday, March 15, that the Catholic Church would not give blessings to same-sex couples, in a combative statement approved by Pope Francis that threatens to further widen the split between the church and the LGBTQ community.
Explaining their decision on a long note on Monday, the Holy See referred to same-sex couples as a “choice,” which described them as sinful and they “cannot be recognized as objectively ordered” to God’s plans. The view is certain to disappoint millions of gay and lesbian Catholics around the world.
“The blessing of homosexual unions cannot be considered licit,” the Vatican’s top doctrinal office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, wrote in the statement. (Vatican Press). God “does not and cannot bless sin,” the statement added.
Pope Francis, who has been praised many times for his welcoming tone towards LGBTQ people previously both within and outside the Church, approved the note.
The statement notes that gays and lesbians, as single individuals, are allowed a blessing if they live according to Church teaching. But blessing same-sex unions, the Vatican stated, would send a sign that the Catholic Church approves and encourages “a choice and a way of life that cannot be recognized as objectively ordered to the revealed plans of God.” (CNN)
The article was issued as a “response” to many questions from pastors and followers on the question. In a commentary provided with the Monday statement, the Vatican ensured that “the negative judgment on the blessing of unions of persons of the same sex does not imply a judgment on persons.” (Vatican Press)
“Homosexual people have a right to be in a family. They’re children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it,” the Pope said, also adding: “What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered.” (Vatican Press).
