A number of Bishops Conferences around the world have raised concerns regarding the declaration released last month by the Vatican allowing blessings for people in same-sex relationships. Now, the Vatican has released another document providing further clarification.
The document, signed by the Head of the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, affirms that pastoral blessings for same-sex couples, or anyone living in irregular situations, are “not an endorsement of the life led by those who request them.” The document provides concrete guidelines on how these pastoral blessings should be carried out.
These are blessings lasting a few seconds, without an approved ritual and without a book of blessings… The blessing must not take place in a prominent place within a sacred building or in front of an altar.
The blessings also cannot be performed with any clothing or gestures similar to a wedding. The document also states that those requesting blessings ask that they:
..may live the Gospel of Christ in full fidelity and so that the Holy Spirit can free these two people from everything that does not correspond to His Divine Will and from everything that requires purification.
Released on January 4th, this clarifying document emphasises that, above all, pastoral prudence must be used before imparting any blessing. And that the sole purpose of the blessing is to assist people in their weaknesses and guide them to the Faith.
AT
