The Vatican issued a statement clarifying that the approval of blessings for same-sex couples is not “heretical” or “blasphemous,” but also acknowledged that such blessings could be “imprudent” in some countries due to the risk of violence or legal consequences.
The Vatican emphasized that the blessings do not signify an official approval of gay sex or marriage for same-sex couples.
The statement urged pastoral prudence depending on local laws and circumstances, particularly in countries where homosexuality is criminalized. (Trending: ‘American Idol’ Producer Sued For Sexual Assault)
Additionally, it emphasized that such blessings should be brief and not resemble a wedding ceremony.
The office sought “to clarify the reception of Fiducia Supplicans while recommending at the same time a full and calm reading” of the Dec. 18 declaration, which it said is “clear and definitive about marriage and sexuality”.
“Evidently, there is no room to distance ourselves doctrinally from this declaration or to consider it heretical, contrary to the Tradition of the Church or Blasphemous,” it added.
“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,” the Vatican stated.
“We are talking about something that lasts about 10 or 15 seconds. Does it make sense to deny these kinds of blessings to these two people who ask for them?” it said.
Most Popular:
Obama Judge Issues Shock Ruling Against Democrats
Donald Trump Breaks His Silence After Major Court Win
Transgender Actor ‘Purposefully Misgendered’ By Airline Employee
