In an attempt to warn the “righteous,” several conservative cardinals from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America have released letters between them and the Pope regarding their dubia—questions they had for the Pope regarding a few perceived issues. These issues were whether or not women could be allowed to be ordained as priests in the future, if Catholic blessings could be given to those in same-gender marriages, if the Synod of Bishops would be held in Rome, and if those who do not display the intention to stop committing a sin can be forgiven.
The Pope, in regards to the questions relating to blessing same-gender marriage specifically, says that the blessing could not be the same as a usual blessing of matrimony, but the unions could be blessed regardless. The reason behind it having to be completely separate from heterosexual marriages is because the Catholic church has outright stated that “God cannot bless sin,” and being in a same-gender relationship is considered a carnal sin. These questions were initially posed and answered in a way that displeased the cardinals, leading to them sending the dubia again, this time asking the Pope to answer with yes or no.
While stating that even though the belief of the church is contradictory to certain facets of reality, the Pope also said that, as members of the church are messengers of God, they should choose to walk in love instead of prejudice. In an excerpt of the translated letter, the Pope says, “For this reason, pastoral prudence must adequately discern whether there are forms of benediction, requested by one or more persons, that do not transmit a mistaken conception of marriage.”
The sentiment the Pope expressed can be seen as inaction, but the very fact that there is a strong possibility for LGBT Catholics to receive any kind of blessing on their unions is actually quite exciting. It’s one step closer to a more inclusive world.
