The Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has strongly defended his decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples, denouncing what he perceives as “hypocrisy” in the criticism directed at him for this move. In a recent interview with the Italian Catholic magazine Credere, the Pope expressed his frustration, stating, “Nobody gets scandalised if I give my blessings to a businessman who perhaps exploits people, and this is a very grave sin. But they get scandalised if I give them to a homosexual. This is hypocrisy.”
The authorization of LGBT blessings was outlined in a Vatican document named Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust) last month, but it has faced significant resistance within the Catholic Church, particularly from African bishops.
Credere released excerpts of the interview a day before the full publication. Pope Francis, known for his statement “Who am I to judge?” regarding homosexuality early in his papacy, has consistently advocated for a more welcoming and less judgmental Catholic Church.
Despite facing opposition from conservatives who argue that this approach undermines the Church’s moral teachings, the Pope has defended Fiducia Supplicans on multiple occasions. He clarified that blessings do not signify formal Church approval for same-sex unions, stating, “When a couple comes forward spontaneously to ask for them, one does not bless the union, but simply the people who together have requested it. Not the union, but the persons,” during an interview on Jan. 26.
The Catholic Church maintains its teaching that gay sex is considered sinful and disordered. It encourages individuals with same-sex attractions, which are not deemed sinful, to strive for chastity.
In a separate interview last week, Pope Francis expressed hope that critics of LGBT blessings would eventually comprehend the intention behind them. However, he noted that Africans presented a “special case” in their opposition to homosexuality. Bishops in Africa have effectively rejected Fiducia Supplicans, with some African countries imposing severe penalties, including imprisonment or even the death penalty, for homosexuality.
