Description:
Pope Francis approved priests blessing same-sex couples, a reversal from 2021 doctrine deeming such blessings "sinful." However, the church maintained its view that marriage as a sacrament is only between a man and woman. The move seeks to welcome LGBTQ Catholics with dignity but rules out blessings coinciding with civil unions or imitating heterosexual weddings.
Sources:
Pope suggests blessings for same-sex unions possible in response to 5 conservative cardinals
Francis becomes 1st pope to endorse same-sex civil unions | AP News
Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples if the rituals don't resemble marriage
Pope Francis Allows Priests to Bless Same-Sex Relationships - The New York Times
