The Vatican on Thursday clarified the Catholic Church’s recent approval of blessings for same-sex couples, denying it had strayed from doctrine while urging “prudence” in certain countries.
The clarification came after an outcry by certain bishops, particularly in Africa, over its recent declaration authorizing priests to bless same-sex couples under certain circumstances.
That document, published in December, was interpreted by some conservative Catholics, particularly in Africa, as back-tracking on the issues of gay marriage and homosexuality, both of which the Church opposes.
The Vatican on Thursday stood by its recent document, saying it was clear and definitive about marriage and sexuality.
The Dicastery said there is no room to distance itself doctrinally from this Declaration or to consider it heretical, contrary to the Tradition of the Church or blasphemous.
The original declaration cautioned that priests could only perform blessings for same-sex couples, divorcées, or unmarried couples in “non-ritualised” contexts, and never in relation to weddings or civil unions.
Opposition to the Vatican’s recent move has been particularly strong in Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia, as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC.
The Dicastery aded that bishop’s conferences around the world had expressed “understandable” reactions to the move, “highlighting the need for a more extended period of pastoral reflection.
It noted that in certain circumstances, the blessing of same-sex couples would be inappropriate.
“If there are laws that condemn the mere act of declaring oneself as a homosexual with prison and in some cases with torture and even death, it goes without saying that a blessing would be imprudent,” said the Dicastery.
It urged “prudence and attention to the ecclesial context and to the local culture” in applying the measure.
Since his election in 2013, 87-year-old Pope FRANCIS has insisted on opening the doors of the Church to all its faithful, including the homosexual and LGBTQ communities.
But his efforts have met with strong resistance among its traditional and conservative fringe.