THE POPE AUTHORIZES BLESSING SAME-SEX COUPLES: A MILESTONE IN THE HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

On December 18, 2023, Pope Francis approved a doctrinal document that allows the blessing of same-sex couples. This decision, which has been received with great expectation by the LGBT community, represents a milestone in the history of the Catholic Church, which for centuries has rejected the possibility that people of the same sex can marry or receive blessings.

The document, titled "Fiducia supplicans", was prepared by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the body in charge of interpreting Catholic doctrine. In it, it is recognized that people of the same sex can live in relationships of love and fidelity, and that these relationships can be worthy of receiving the blessing of the Church. However, the document also points out that the Church does not recognize marriage between people of the same sex, and that the blessings granted to these couples should not be equated to marriage.

Pope Francis' decision has been received with great joy by the LGBT community, which considers it a sign of progress and openness on the part of the Catholic Church. However, it has also been criticized by some conservative sectors of the Church, who consider that the pope's decision is a betrayal of Catholic doctrine.

Historical context

The Catholic Church's stance on homosexuality has historically been rigid. For centuries, the Church has considered homosexuality a sin, and that people of the same sex cannot live full and satisfying lives. This position is based on the interpretation of the Bible, which in some passages condemns homosexuality.

In recent years, however, the Catholic Church has begun to show greater openness to sexual diversity. In 2013, Pope Francis affirmed that homosexual people have the right to be in a family, and that the Church must accompany them with love and respect. In 2021, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith published a document that recognized that homosexual people can be part of the Church, and that they must be treated with respect.

Pope Francis' decision

Pope Francis' decision to authorize the blessing of same-sex couples is one more step in the opening of the Catholic Church to sexual diversity. This decision represents a recognition that people of the same sex can live relationships of love and fidelity that are worthy of receiving the blessing of the Church.

Pope Francis' decision is also a sign of hope for LGBT people who are Catholic. This decision allows them to feel that their Church accepts and loves them, and that they can live their faith fully, without having to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Reactions to the decision

Pope Francis' decision has been received with great joy by the LGBT community. Organizations such as ILGA World, the main international organization defending the rights of LGBT people, have celebrated the pope's decision as a "historical milestone."

However, Pope Francis' decision has also been criticized by some conservative sectors of the Church. Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a staunch critic of Pope Francis, has called the decision an "aberration" and a "betrayal of Catholic doctrine."

Implications of the decision

Pope Francis' decision to authorize the blessing of same-sex couples will have important implications for the Catholic Church. First of all, this decision represents a recognition that people of the same sex can live relationships of love and fidelity that are worthy of receiving the blessing of the Church. Secondly, this decision will allow LGBT people who are Catholic to feel that their Church accepts and loves them.

Pope Francis' decision is likely to spark internal debate in the Catholic Church. Some conservative sectors of the Church could try to challenge the pope's decision, while other sectors could support it and work to implement it.

Ultimately, Pope Francis' decision to authorize the blessing of same-sex couples is an important step in the Catholic Church's opening to sexual diversity. This decision is a recognition that people of the same sex are part of the Church, and that they deserve to be treated with respect.