Pope Francis has suggested the possibility of offering blessings for same-sex unions, responding to five conservative cardinals who sought affirmation of traditional church teachings on homosexuality. 

In a letter dated July 11, Francis proposed that such blessings could be considered if they were distinct from sacramental marriage. 

This development was hailed by New Ways Ministry, an advocate for LGBTQ+ Catholics, as a significant step towards inclusivity within the church.

The Vatican has historically held marriage to be an indissoluble union between a man and a woman, opposing same-sex marriage. However, Francis has previously expressed support for civil laws granting legal benefits to same-sex spouses, and some Catholic priests in parts of Europe have blessed such unions without official reprimand.

This stance marks a shift from the Vatican’s 2021 position, where it stated that the church couldn’t bless gay unions, citing that “God cannot bless sin”. 

Francis emphasized that while matrimony remains between a man and a woman, pastoral charity requires understanding and patience. He stressed the need to discern benedictions that do not convey a mistaken view of marriage, acknowledging that some situations may not be morally acceptable.

Francis urged that pastoral charity be applied on a case-by-case basis, avoiding the imposition of fixed norms or protocols. This development comes in response to five conservative cardinals who pressed Francis on matters of church doctrine, including issues related to LGBTQ+ individuals, ahead of a significant synod where these topics are on the agenda. 

The cardinals, all retired and known for their doctrinal conservatism, had sought straightforward yes or no responses from Francis, ultimately making their correspondence public.

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