Why Vatican released the declaration on blessing same-sex couples

The recent Declaration from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, titled “Fiducia Supplicans: On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings,” has ignited controversy within the Catholic Church. The document, which addresses the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples, has left many Catholics confused and divided.

The Vatican’s initiative to release such a declaration raises questions among the faithful, with Cardinals, Episcopal Conferences, and priests expressing diverse opinions on the matter. The question many are asking is why the Vatican will give prominence to homosexuality in the manner it did.

The document reveals that the Dicastery, following its customary practice, engaged in a thorough process, consulting experts, drafting carefully, and discussing the text in the Congresso of the Doctrinal Section. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, was actively involved in the review process, providing important clarifications that influenced the content of the declaration.

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While reaffirming the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, the Declaration distinguishes itself by permitting a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding of blessings. The key point of controversy lies in the declaration’s consideration of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or altering the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage. The document contends that such blessings must not create confusion or undermine the Church’s doctrine.

Catholic Trends has provided some context to why the Dicastery took the step it did in the video below.