This is the first time Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández has appeared publicly since he became Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. He spoke at a press conference to explain the reasons for and the content of a new doctrinal declaration. This was not the case when Fiducia supplicans was published—the document on the blessing of same-sex and irregular couples—which he also touched on in this conference.
CARD. VÍCTOR MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ
Prefect, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
There has been a magisterial innovation—an innovation in the way we understand blessings. The Pope wanted to broaden the understanding of blessings to develop its pastoral richness. In other words, it helps us understand that there are blessings that do not confirm, do not sanction, do not consecrate, do not justify anything. They are just a prayer of the minister to express God's help to continue living.
Fiducia supplicans was written at Pope Francis' request, and it is one of the documents that has generated the most reactions within the Church.
Cardinal Fernández stressed that this type of blessing does not in any way legitimize the status of a same-sex couples. He said there are different types of blessings and that not all of them are liturgical.
CARD. VÍCTOR MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ
Prefect, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
Some liturgists don't like this because they think all the prayers a minister does are liturgical and therefore everything that is blessed must be in accord with God's will. But Pope Francis wanted to clarify that this is not the case. He wanted to invite us to broaden our understanding. And he has the right to do so. This is a minor issue but it is something that was not explicit in the Magisterium then.
The Prefect of the Doctrine of the Faith also pointed out the impact of Fiducia supplicans.
CARD. VÍCTOR MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ
Prefect, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
It is a topic that is at the heart of the Pope, of Francis' pastoral heart, even if it is not a very important issue. Fiducia supplicans is a document that has had more than 7 billion views on the internet—more than 7 billion. How many documents do we remember their names?
We hope that today's document, which is certainly a much more important statement, could have this level of impact.
The Prefect made these remarks during the presentation of a new declaration on controversial issues such as gender ideology, sex change and surrogacy, placing the dignity of the person at the center.
CA
TR: KG
