Pope Francis’ (Mostly) Complete LGBTQ+ Record: the Good and the Bad

Looking back on a complicated legacy

AM113 / ShutterstockShuttershockMelanie Lemahieu / ShutterstockRobert Reed / ShutterstockHiram Rios / ShutterstockThe AdvocateShuttershock“pastoral attention to people of homosexual orientation,” and said there could not be “even a remote” comparison between gay relationships and heterosexual marriage.Victor Velter / ShutterstockShuttershockShuttershockShuttershockShuttershockThe GuardianShuttershockShuttershockCNN M.Nergiz / Shutterstock

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The Pope released a document in December formally approving priests to bless same-sex couples, so long as the blessing does not resemble a wedding. However, the document states such requests should not be denied outright, and can be permitted if the blessing does not take place as part of regular church activities.

In other words, the new ruling offers “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex” although it leaves the decisions to “the prudent and fatherly discernment of ordained ministers.”