James O'Reilly
Pope Francis’ Fiducia Supplicans—which addressed, among other things, the blessing of same-sex couples—was one of the most controversial pastoral statement of his pontificate, sending shock waves throughout the Church.
There were those who strongly opposed it, including cardinals aligned with Pope Francis; and others who supported a gesture they saw as one of thoughtfulness and inclusion.
In the latter group are the German bishops at large. Through their synodal efforts, they requested a revision of sexual morality, including the blessing of homosexual couples. Pope Leo XIV clarified the official Church view of this when returning from Africa.
POPE LEO XIV
The Holy See has made it clear that we do not agree with the formalized blessing of couples, in this case, homosexual couples, as you asked, or couples in irregular situations, beyond what was specifically, if you will, allowed for by Pope Francis in saying all people receive blessings.
The Vatican had clarified that this blessing, approved by Pope Francis, was not for the union itself, but for the people who together request it.
The topic has been renewed in wake of the news about German Cardinal Marx, Archbishop of Munich, and his recent statements about the application of blessings.
He referred not only to the direct blessing of same-sex couples, but to anyone in an irregular situation, such as divorced and remarried people. Pope Leo had to explain that general blessings exist, but that is as far as it goes.
POPE LEO XIV
When a priest gives a blessing at the end of Mass, when the Pope gives a blessing at the end of a large celebration like the one we had today, they are blessings for all people.
To go beyond that today, I think that the topic can cause more disunity than unity.
Under Pope Francis, this type of blessing became a very divisive issue, splitting cardinals and even bishops around the world. But Pope Leo seems to be following the line he announced on the day he was elected: the most important thing is to preserve the unity of the Church in Christ.
