Pope Orders Catholic Priests To Desist From Blessing Same-Sex Marriages

 

The Vatican has directed priests and other Catholic ministers to desist from ordaining same-sex marriages, adding that such blessings are “not licit”.

The Vatican’s doctrinal office, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), disclosed this on Monday in a statement, stressing that the Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions or Marriage.

The statement also quoted “Pope Francis as saying “that it was “not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite”.

According to the Pope, marriage between a man and a woman is a sacrament and blessing related to the sacrament of marriage cannot be extended to same-sex couples.

“The blessings of marriage have been made sacred by God who made it the union between a man and a woman.

“These blessings are related to the sacrament of marriage and cannot be extended to same-sex couples.

“However, we are urged to always welcome and accompany homosexual persons” and help them grow in the faith,” he said.