The Vatican addresses same-sex union in the Catholic Church

The orthodoxy office of the Vatican known as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a formal response determining whether Catholic celery have the authority to bless same-sex unions. The decree states the Catholic Church won’t bless same-sex unions implying God “cannot bless sin” but welcomes gay people.

A Vatican statement says the Catholic Church won't bless same-sex unions, calling homosexuality a "sin" and a "choice." Pope Francis, who has frequently been praised for his welcoming tone towards LGBTQ people, approved the note. https://t.co/RCTbHIQ8o1

— CNN (@CNN) March 15, 2021

The two-page response was published in seven languages and approved by Pope Francis who has remained impartial to the acceptance of same-sex unions in the past. The response indicates God “does not and cannot bless sin: He blesses sinful man, so that he may recognize that he is part of his plan of love and allow himself to be changed by him.”

The Vatican notes a distinction that the Catholic Church is the welcoming and blessing of gay people but will not officially recognize same-sex unions. The argument upholding this decision claims these unions are not part of God’s plan and any sacramental recognition of unions could be confused with marriage.

New: Vatican officials ban same-sex union blessings, say God “can’t bless sin.” https://t.co/lUcTe1eAcn

— Complex (@Complex) March 15, 2021

A Vatican documentary released last year featured commentary of Pope Francis endorsing providing gay couples with legal protection in same-sex unions. It was later confirmed that Pope Francis was referencing his support for the civil sphere and not in the Catholic Church. Many have questioned the Catholic Church’s stance on same-sex unions but this new document clearly addresses their long questioned view with a negative light on the LGBTQ+ community.