The Vatican has clarified its position on the Pope’s earlier declaration of blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships in a document dated Thursday January 4, 2024.
The document emphasised that pastoral prudence must be used before imparting any blessing. And that the sole purpose of the blessing is to assist people in their weaknesses and guide them to the faith.
The Vatican further clarified that the decision is aimed at helping those seeking blessings to live for the gospel of Christ in full fidelity and that the Holy Spirit can free them from everything that requires purification.
The document, signed by Víctor Manuel Fernández, the head of the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, affirmed that pastoral blessings for same-sex couples, or anyone living in irregular situations, are “not an endorsement of the life led by those who request them.”
The document further provided concrete guidelines on how these pastoral blessings should be carried out.
“These are blessings lasting a few seconds, without an approved ritual and without a book of blessings.
“The blessing must not take place in a prominent place within a sacred building or in front of an altar”.
Accordingly, the blessings also cannot be performed with any clothing or gestures similar to a wedding.
A number of bishops’ conferences around the world have raised concerns regarding the declaration released in December 2023, by the Vatican allowing blessings for people in same-sex relationships.
