Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples

 The Roman Catholic Church believes that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman.

Catholic priests can now bless gay couples following Pope Francis' formal approval.

The Associated Press reported that a new document explaining the change in Vatican policy was released on Monday, saying that "people seeking God's love and mercy will undergo 'detailed moral analysis' before they can receive it." Should not be the subject of."

Francis sent a letter to two conservative cardinals in October suggesting that such blessings could be given in some circumstances if those receiving the blessing do not confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage.

The Church is firm in its stance that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman, and as a civil union, not blessed using prescribed rituals or even with other functions or clothing associated with weddings. should go.

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The Vatican's Doctrinal Office document states that requests for such blessings should not be refused.

"Ultimately, a blessing provides a means for people to increase their faith in God," the document states. "The request for blessings, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to transcendence, mercy and closeness to God in thousands of concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live."

“This is the seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered,” the Pope said.

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In the new document, the Vatican said the church should "refrain from doctrinal or disciplinary schemes, especially when they lead to narcissistic and authoritarian elitism, whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and categorizes others, and indulges Instead of opening the door, one expends one's energy observing and verifying."

It emphasized that people in "irregular" unions – gay or straight – are in a state of sin. However, it said that they should not be deprived of God's love or mercy.

"Thus, when people ask for blessings, a detailed moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for granting blessings," the document states.

The Vatican has long opposed gay marriage.

The Rev. James Martin, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ Catholics, celebrated the announcement.

He said, "Along with many priests, I will now be happy to bless my friends in homosexual unions."