December 19, 2023 NewsOrient
News Desk with Agency Reports

Following Monday’s release of a document revealing that Pope Francis, the Head of the Roman Catholic Church, has finally approved blessing of same-sex marriage under certain situations, the controversy over same-sex marriage has taken a new dimension across the world.

Reuters reported that the Vatican said on Monday that “Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies.”

The report further said: “A document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office, which effectively reversed a declaration the same body had issued in 2021, said such blessings would not legitimise irregular situations but be a sign that God welcomes all.

“It should in no way be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage,” it added.

“It said priests should decide on a case-by-case basis and “should not prevent or prohibit the Church’s closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God’s help through a simple blessing.

“The Pope hinted that an official change was in the works in October in response to questions put forward by five conservative cardinals at the start of a synod of bishops at the Vatican.”

A report in Nigerian Tribune, itemized some of the conflicting reactions that have trailed the release of the document confirming backing of same-sex marriage by the Vatican.

They include arguments:

• That the first sentence is very misleading.
• It’s not the marriage they are blessing, it’s the individuals.
• that same-sex marriage is still not allowed by the Catholic Church and cannot be officiated by a Catholic priest.
• that Pope has erred on this matter. He has given in to liberal pressure.
• That indeed, the gates of hell is waging a very aggressive war on the church of Christ.
• That Pope Francis is now allowing priests to bless same-sex unions. He says such unions should not be subject to “exhaustive moral analysis” and that anyone seeking God‘s love and mercy should receive it.
• The argument that “Millions of lives will be released from judgement by this, many families reconciled, many hearts given comfort that were tormented before. Much respect for him for this. This is truly a great thing.”
• Was there same sex marriage in the Bible? For a pope to endorse this, then we can all agree that we are in the last days
• The position that “Pope Francis should correct this error now! It’s a no to same sex marriage.”
• That this world has become something else.”

NewsOrient reports that the controversy is just gathering momentum.

Photo Credit: NewsNation

~ NewsOrient