The story came from language in the pope\u2019s July 11 letter, published by the Vatican. In response to a question about whether it is possible for the Church to consider same-sex unions as \u201cpossible goods,\u201d the pope wrote several paragraphs which emphasized that there are relationships \u2014 presumably same-sex relationships among them \u2014 which are \u201cnot morally acceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope added that \u201cthe Church avoids any kind of rite or sacramental that could contradict\u201d its doctrine regarding marriage, or \u201cgive the impression that something that is not marriage is recognized.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, Pope Francis also allowed for the possibility that some kind of blessing could be conferred on one or more Catholics in \u201cnot-marriage\u201d unions. <\/p>\n
\u201cPastoral prudence must adequately discern whether there are forms of blessing, requested by one or more persons, that do not transmit a mistaken conception of marriage. Because when a blessing is requested, one is expressing a request for help from God, a plea to be able to live better, a trust in a Father who can help us to live better.\u201d<\/p>\n
In short, the pope seemed to say, when people in an irregular union \u2014 perhaps a same-sex union \u2014 come to the parish for a blessing, it is worth discerning what they\u2019re really asking for, and whether there is some way the Church can respond to that, even while avoiding the appearance of a nuptial blessing. <\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pope Francis answers a dubia \u2014 Does inaction speak clearer than words? https:\/\/t.co\/n1XazybIh0<\/a><\/p>\n — Mark Brumley (@mabrumley) October 3, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n