CLEVELAND — In a landmark document released Monday, Pope Francis formally affirmed the ability of Catholic clergy to bless certain people in what he called "irregular situations," particularly same-sex couples.
It's the latest, and perhaps most significant, move for a pontiff who has consistently attempted to reach out to LGBTQ+ individuals during his 10-year tenure. However, the declaration does come with a number of restrictions, as such blessings cannot take place during regular Church rituals or liturgies, "[n]or can it be performed with any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding."
"God never turns away anyone who approaches him!" the document read. "Ultimately, a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God. The request for a blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy, and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live. It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered."
The announcement has sparked a wide range of reactions across the world, including right here in Northeast Ohio, where the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland appeared to respond favorably to Francis' words. Still, the Diocese affirmed that today's action "in no way changes Church teaching, including that marriage is reserved to one man and one woman."
The diocese's full statement can be read below:
"The Holy Father, Pope Francis, approved a recent document issued by the Vatican that has made it clear that anyone who has the intention of seeking God's help in living holy lives may request a blessing from the Church. Such people, including those who are in marriages not recognized by the Church and those in same-sex relationships, can be spontaneously blessed by the Church's ministers when they ask for God's strength and help in responding to His will. When people ask for a blessing from the Church, the Holy Father rightfully calls us to see it as a sign that they wish to do God's will and that they, like all of us, need God's help to do it. As the document states explicitly, this in no way changes Church teaching, including that marriage is reserved to one man and one woman."
The Vatican's new approach comes just three months after Cleveland Bishop Edward C. Malesic signed off on controversial diocesan policy changes meant to restrict LGBTQ+ expression among the area faithful. Among other things, the bishop barred same-sex couples from attending parish or school dances, restricted people from using pronouns different from their sex assigned at birth, and even warned against the displaying of pride flags.
"Those persons who choose to openly express disagreement with Church teaching on matters of sex, sexuality, and /or gender in an inappropriate or scandalous way, or who act in ways contrary to the teachings of the Church, may be subject to restrictions on his or her participation in the life of the institution or, in appropriate cases, to disciplinary action, both for that person's own good and/or the good of others," the policy added.
But now, LGBTQ+ Christians are celebrating today's declaration from Rome, with Ohio-based LOVEboldly calling it a step forward for Catholic members of the community.
"What's important is it is a sign of hope," LOVEboldly Executive Director Ben Huelskamp told 3News. "It's a step in the right direction, perhaps a slower step than other denominations have gone, but still, it's a sign of hope."
The policy is also sharp change from just two years ago, when the Vatican declared same-sex blessings could not occur because, in their words, "God cannot bless sin." Nothing in the new document released today changes current teaching discouraging same-sex acts.