Vatican: No blessings for same-sex relationships

The Catholic Church does not have the authority to bless same-sex couples, according to an official document on Monday.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued the declaration in a “response to a doubt.”

“In some ecclesial contexts, plans and proposals for blessings of unions of persons of the same sex are being advanced,” it said.

But a blessing over human relationships is only compatible if it is “according to the designs of God inscribed in creation.”

“It is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage ... as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex,” it said. “The presence in such relationships of positive elements, which are in themselves to be valued and appreciated, cannot justify these relationships and render them legitimate objects of an ecclesial blessing, since the positive elements exist within the context of a union not ordered to the Creator’s plan.”

Pope Francis — who has been seen to somewhat soften the line of the Church on same-sex unions, without suggesting a change in doctrine — had given his assent to publishing the document, it said.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith pointed out that its statement was not intended to be “a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite.”

Moreover, it said, blessings can be given to individual people with “homosexual inclinations.” However, any form of blessing that recognizes a homosexual partnership is inadmissible.

The head of the German Bishops’ Conference, Georg Baetzing, issued a carefully worded statement in response.

Catholic teachings should “generally be advanced with sound arguments — on the basis of fundamental truths of faith and morality, ongoing theological reflection and also an openness to ... the living conditions of today’s people,” Baetzing said.