Is the Pope Woke? Same Sex Marriages Now Qualify for Blessings

December 19, 2023
ALEXANDER

Is the Pope woke? Does he all of a sudden love the gays? Well, yes and no. Catholics, don't get too excited.

As someone who was raised Catholic, worked as a cantor at three different Catholic churches for 13 years, and was summarily let go for bringing my boyfriend to Church one Easter Sunday, I was fascinated to hear the news that the current Pope, Pope Francis, has formally given his consent for Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. During his reign, the stance on same-sex marriage has wavered back and forth, but this edict represents a big step in the church's inclusion of its LGBTQ+ congregation.

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This is a much different direction from the 2021 ruling from the Vatican that barred any blessings, saying God “cannot bless sin” and categorized same-sex marriages as such. Thank goodness they are focusing on the happiness of two people and not on the rampant sexual allegations made towards many priests around the globe. Oy.

The official stance is that no moral analysis should be made toward those requesting a blessing. So even sinners should get blessings. Also, blessings are not to be made into liturgical celebrations, meaning no church weddings. Priests may also not preside at civil union ceremonies and no rituals or clothing associated with a wedding can be present. Also, while blessings are permitted, no priest is obligated to do so if he doesn't wish.

Over the past decade, the LGBTQ+ community has gained a stronger voice in the Catholic Church. There are gay groups at certain Catholic Churches with some ministries set up to offer services for our community. The Pope has made small steps, with opposition to staunch conservative Catholics, by doing away with the Vatican's mission to prevent legal acknowledgment of same-sex marriages. He also has supported certain clergy who service members of the gay community.

In late October, the Vatican also allowed for the baptizing of trans folk, and allowing trans members of the Church to serve as godparents. This is a huge step for trans inclusion as any acceptance of gender transition was forbidden prior.

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Members of human rights organizations around the globe have chimed in saying that these moves help LGBTQ communities even outside of the Church, making it more acceptable for families to accept their loved ones and governments in strict countries to include our community in equal rights.

The Church of England made a fast move to also approve their clergy to provide same-sex marriage but, like the Catholic edict, prevents it from being done in a Church service setting.

One small step for the Vatican, one big step for the LGBTQ community around the world. Of course, the Church isn't dumb. Their numbers are dwindling, the younger generation is detached, and the writing is on the wall...start accepting your congregation as they are, or lose them. Who's gonna pay for all that gold and marble?