Just because I have been reading so many misleading and erroneous headlines and just in case it comes up in any Theology classes, here are a few points of clarification:
-Pope Francis has not approved same-sex “marriage”
-Pope Francis has not approved blessings to same-sex unions
-The definition of sacramental marriage has not changed
-The recent document has reiterated how it is pastorally permissible to bless any person or persons, regardless of their current life situation. For example, a murderer on death row can receive a blessing as a means to encounter the Grace of God as a step towards changing his heart.
-people in same-sex relationships may ask for blessings from clergy. This, again, is a blessing of the person, not the activity.
-no ritual is permitted for blessing same-sex couples so as not to confuse such a blessing with marriage
-no liturgical actions or things like liturgical actions may be used in blessing those in same-sex relationships so as not to give the impression that the relationship is being blessed.
-this is not a first step towards changing the Church’s teaching on marriage
-the stated purpose of the proclamation is to say that anyone, no matter their state of sinfulness, may ask to encounter God in the form of a blessing. The hope is that this openness to receive a blessing will be a first step toward holiness. As Christ did not wait for us to become righteous before drawing near to us, the hope is that the presence of Christ’s blessings will lead us towards righteousness.
Will there be those who will weaponize confusion to sow discord and frustration? I'm sure there will be. But we are always called, as Catholics, to offer clarity with charity.
I would encourage everyone to read the document itself here.
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