Pope Francis, facing criticism from Catholic bishops in Africa regarding his directive allowing priests to bless same-sex unions, has characterized the opposition as a unique case driven by cultural beliefs. In an interview with Italian newspaper La Stampa on Monday, the Pontiff responded to the backlash against the Vatican’s authorization of blessings for same-sex couples in certain circumstances, as outlined in the document ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ published last month.
The declaration opens the possibility of blessings for couples not deemed “valid” in the Catholic Church, encompassing unmarried couples, divorced-and-remarried couples, and homosexual couples. The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), an association of Catholic bishops on the continent, criticized the Pope’s decision as “inappropriate” earlier this month. SECAM president Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo argued that allowing such rituals would contradict the cultural values of African communities.
British priests from the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy also protested, asserting the Church’s traditional values were “unchangeable.” Catholic bishops in Central Asia, specifically Bishops Tomash Peta and Athanasius Schneider from Kazakhstan, called for the reversal of the Pope’s directive approving same-sex blessings, considering it a contradiction of the Church’s longstanding practice and doctrine.
However, Pope Francis addressed the opposition on Monday, suggesting that, apart from Africans, those protesting vehemently belonged to small ideological groups. He explained that for Africans, homosexuality is viewed negatively from a cultural standpoint, and they do not tolerate it. Despite this, he expressed trust that, over time, everyone would be reassured by the spirit of the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration, emphasizing its intent to include rather than divide.
The Pope had previously clarified the December 18 declaration, emphasizing that granting blessings to gay couples did not endorse a potentially sinful lifestyle but supported individuals seeking to draw closer to God. The ongoing controversy underscores the tension between the Church’s evolving stance on LGBTQ+ issues and the cultural and traditional perspectives prevalent in different regions, particularly in Africa where homosexuality remains heavily criminalized.
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Good for the People of Africa!!! They put the pope to shame.