• About Us
  • Advertise
  • Careers
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Support Us
Mimi Mefo Info
  • Cameroon
  • Africa
  • Politics
  • Society
  • Education
  • Tech
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Editor’s Picks
  • Sport
No Result
View All Result
  • Cameroon
  • Africa
  • Politics
  • Society
  • Education
  • Tech
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Editor’s Picks
  • Sport
No Result
View All Result
Mimi Mefo Info
No Result
View All Result
Home Breaking News

Pope Francis Approves Blessings for Couples in ‘Irregular Situations,’ Prohibits Same-Sex Marriage

Evelyn Ndi by Evelyn Ndi
December 18, 2023
in Breaking News, Human Interest/Society, Live Update, News, Religion
0
Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples but maintains Church's traditional doctrine on marriage

Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples but maintains Church's traditional doctrine on marriage

0
SHARES
875
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

VATICAN CITY, — The Vatican has released a doctrinal declaration titled “Fiducia supplicans,” signalling a shift in pastoral approach towards couples in irregular situations, including same-sex couples. The declaration, which Pope Francis has approved, allows for the possibility of blessing such couples without endorsing or ritualizing their unions.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s declaration upholds the established view on marriage while emphasizing the value of pastoral care and transparency. The document clarifies that the doctrinal position on marriage remains unchanged, and the blessing is not to be interpreted as approval of the union.

“When two people request a blessing, even if their situation as a couple is ‘irregular,’ it will be possible for the ordained minister to consent,” the declaration states. However, it emphasises that the pastoral gesture should avoid any semblance of a marriage rite.

Cardinal Victor Fernandez, the prefect introducing the declaration, highlights its focus on the pastoral meaning of blessings. The document, rooted in the pastoral vision of Pope Francis, acknowledges a development in understanding blessings and their application to couples facing irregular situations.

The declaration distinguishes between ritual and liturgical blessings and those borne out of spontaneous expressions of devotion. It specifically addresses the possibility of blessing couples not adhering to Christian moral doctrine, provided they humbly seek the blessing.

The document delves into the sacrament of marriage, declaring certain rites and prayers inadmissible if they create confusion about the nature of marriage. It underscores the Catholic doctrine that lawful sexual relations exist only within the context of marriage between a man and a woman.

An extensive analysis of blessings in different contexts follows, emphasising liturgical conformity to God’s will. The declaration cautions against reducing the meaning of blessings to specific viewpoints and insists on moral conditions similar to sacraments for a liturgical blessing.

The theological-pastoral understanding presented in the declaration recognises that those seeking blessings demonstrate a need for God’s presence and assistance. Blessings, in the context of popular piety, are evaluated as acts of devotion, with no requirement for prior moral perfection.

In response to the dubia published in October, the declaration affirms that blessings offered in certain circumstances are meant for all, irrespective of their mistakes. The document encourages ordained ministers to join in prayers with individuals in irregular unions, fostering a sense of being blessed despite their situation.

The declaration concludes by opening up the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations, emphasising that what is blessed is a legitimate relationship between individuals. It stresses the importance of avoiding confusion or scandal and provides guidance on appropriate contexts for such blessings.

While the declaration does not make these blessings the norm, it advocates for practical discernment in specific circumstances. The document emphasises the importance of blessing individuals rather than endorsing the union, promoting enrichment, healing, and elevation by the Holy Spirit.

In summary, “Fiducia supplicans” marks a significant development in the Catholic Church’s approach to pastoral care, allowing for a more inclusive and nuanced perspective on blessings for couples in irregular situations without compromising doctrinal principles.

Mimi Mefo Info

You can help support our work through the link below
Pixel
Tags: blessingsBroadcast Media NewsCatholic ChurchCatholic DoctrineCatholic faithDoctrineIndependent news reportingloveMarriageMimi Mefo NewsOnline news channelPope FrancisPope Francis IPope Francis on same-sex marriageSame-sex relationships
Previous Post

Chantal Roger Tuile en route vers Nkodengui ?

Next Post

Dieudonné ESSOMBA : ” Faites entre le Zouazoua du Nigeria voisin au Cameroun on consomme”

Next Post
Dieudonne Essomba

Dieudonné ESSOMBA : " Faites entre le Zouazoua du Nigeria voisin au Cameroun on consomme"

You can help support our work via the link below
Pixel

You can help support our work via the link below

Pixel

Category

  • Accident de la route
  • Africa
  • Breaking News
  • Cameroon
  • Culture
  • Economy
  • Editor's Picks
  • Editorial
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Environment
  • Fashion
  • Food
  • Français
  • Health
  • Human Interest/Society
  • Infrastructures
  • Innovation
  • International Relations & Diplomacy
  • Justice/Human Rights
  • Lifestyle
  • Live Update
  • Media
  • Missing Person Alert
  • Nécrologie
  • News
  • News Commentary
  • News Roundups
  • Opinion
  • Orbituary
  • Other
  • People's Voice (PV)
  • Philanthropy
  • Politics
  • Publicity
  • Religion
  • Road Safety
  • Science
  • Security
  • Sport
  • Tech
  • Technologie
  • Tourisme
  • Transport
  • Travel
  • Voyage
  • World

Important Links

  • Term of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

error: Content is protected !!
No Result
View All Result
  • Politics
  • World
  • Science
  • Entertainment
  • Fashion
  • Lifestyle
  • Tech
  • Health
  • Food

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.