Pope Francis has officially sanctioned the blessing of same-sex couples, marking a significant departure from Vatican tradition. The release of a new document on Monday elucidates this radical shift in policy, emphasizing that individuals seeking God’s love and mercy should not be subjected to an exhaustive moral scrutiny to receive these blessings.

The document, issued by the Vatican’s doctrine office, asserts that the Church should not hinder its proximity to people seeking God’s help through simple blessings in various life situations. Despite this change, the document clarifies that the church’s stance on marriage remains unchanged.

The document expands on a letter from Francis to two conservative cardinals published in October, where he hinted at the possibility of such blessings under specific circumstances that do not conflate with the sacrament of marriage. It reiterates this rationale and underscores that marriage is a sacred lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. The document emphasizes that blessings should not coincide with civil unions or adopt the rituals associated with weddings.

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While reiterating the Vatican’s belief in the indissoluble union of marriage between a man and a woman, the document stresses that requests for blessings should not be summarily denied. It offers a comprehensive interpretation of the term “blessing” in Scripture, asserting that those seeking a transcendent relationship with God and His love should not be required to undergo exhaustive moral scrutiny as a prerequisite.

The document highlights that a blessing serves as a means for individuals to deepen their trust in God, expressing and fostering openness to transcendence, mercy, and God’s presence in various life circumstances. It argues that the request for a blessing is a seed of the Holy Spirit that should be nurtured rather than hindered.

The Vatican acknowledges that individuals in “irregular” unions, whether same-sex or heterosexual, may be in a state of sin. However, it contends that this should not preclude them from receiving God’s love and mercy. The document criticizes doctrinal or disciplinary schemes that lead to elitism and emphasizes the importance of avoiding exhaustive moral analyses as prerequisites for blessings.

The Rev. James Martin, a proponent of greater inclusivity for LGBTQ+ Catholics, hails the new document as a “huge step forward” and a “dramatic shift” from the Vatican’s 2021 policy. He expresses satisfaction that the document recognizes the deep desire of many Catholic same-sex couples for God’s presence and support in their committed relationships, expressing his intent to bless his friends in same-sex marriages.