Pope Francis has formally authorized allowing Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, in a radical shift in the church’s policy regarding the LGBTQ+ community.
A new document from the Vatican's doctrine office said it is opening “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex” but ultimately leaving that decision to “the prudent and fatherly discernment of ordained ministers.” The blessings “may be carried out providing they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, nor at the same time as a civil union,” CNN reported.
