Posted on 01/31/2024 11:00:15 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Addressing the controversy surrounding the Vatican's decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples, Pope Francis said the critics of the guidance, except for Africans, belong to "small ideological groups."
The pontiff claimed that even in Africa, the resistance is more cultural, as homosexuality is generally not tolerated, Reuters quoted him as saying in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa.
Francis was referring to the December 2023 document "Fiducia Supplicans" issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which has sparked widespread debate within the Catholic Church. The guidance stated that priests may bless same-sex couples that approach them for blessings but distinguishes between liturgical blessings and pastoral blessings, which do not give approval to same-sex relationships.
"Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups," Francis was quoted as saying. "A special case are Africans: for them homosexuality is something 'bad' from a cultural point of view, they don't tolerate it."
"But in general, I trust that gradually everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the 'Fiducia Supplicans' declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it aims to include, not divide," the pope said.
He acknowledged the strong resistance from African bishops as there are harsh legal penalties for same-sex relationships in some African countries. The pope stressed the importance of context and sensitivity when blessing same-sex couples.
Pope Francis remains undeterred despite opposition from some theological conservatives. He advised focusing on moving forward rather than dwelling on talks of schism, which he believes are led by small groups.
"We must leave them to it and move on ... and look forward," he said.
In his remarks at the plenary session of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith last Friday, Pope Francis clarified that the Church's teachings on homosexual practices and same-sex relationships remain unchanged. The "Fiducia Supplicans" declaration, while allowing blessings for same-sex couples, does not equate these blessings with marriage, nor does it validate relationships deemed irregular by the Church.
The Pope explained that these blessings are meant to demonstrate the Church's closeness to those in various situations without demanding moral perfection. He emphasized that the blessings are for the individuals, not the union, and should consider the local context and sensitivities.
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, author of the declaration, released a statement earlier this month to clarify the document's intent. He stated that the blessings, lasting no more than 15 seconds, are a pastoral response and do not justify anything morally unacceptable. The declaration has faced opposition from some bishops, like the leader of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana, Kazakhstan, who has prohibited these blessings in his diocese.
The Vatican's guidance is part of a series of responses to questions from bishops worldwide. It includes clarifications on issues like the eligibility of single mothers who have confessed their sins to receive the eucharist.
I would like to take this moment to self-identify as an African Catholic even though I have never been to Africa or have any evidence of African ancestors. I would just like for His Holiness to not dismiss me as being part of a small ideological group.
I wish we had an African Pope, they tend to be the most conservative of Cardinals.
Saint Augustine would be so proud of Jorge the Kinky.
... and the Lord, can’t forget Him as someone opposed to all things homosexual.
Preach it.
Time to get back to the basics of the word and stop putting the opinions of church leaders on par with it.
The vast majority of Scripture is plenty easy enough to understand by anyone. It does not take a theological degree or special training to understand the Ten Commandments, for example.
Yes, there are some difficult to understand things, but there is certainly enough within the grasp of understanding of the common person, literate or not, to be saved.
Are you saying that we are fools for Christ?
“Some people are just stupid. Practicing Catholics, for example.”
If you’re a Catholic and you don’t support the pope in this, you’re a hypocrite.
Face it, you live in Wittenberg, but you keep Rome as your mailing address.
He apparently is speaking of himself:
Not if Jorge is a heretic, which he is.
The problem is, for a layperson to call the Pope out as a heretic is to risk excommunication. Speaking of sin specifically, such as to homosexuality, and whether it is a a sin or not is effectively a 1st level doctrinal issue.
*****
Besides God, does the papacy have any accountability or checks and balances within its office?
Answer:
The Code of Canon Law:
Can. 331 The bishop of the Roman Church, in whom continues the office given by the Lord uniquely to Peter, the first of the apostles, and to be transmitted to his successors, is the head of the college of bishops, the Vicar of Christ, and the pastor of the universal Church on earth. By virtue of his office he possesses supreme, full, immediate, and universal ordinary power in the Church, which he is always able to exercise freely.
Can. 1404 The First See is judged by no one.
https://www.catholic.com/qa/the-popes-power-is-pretty-awesome
Frankie the Fake must be a racist! Where’s Reverend Al and Joyless Reid?
Even those corrupt Medieval Popes didn’t try to change the Faith. They were personally corrupt, but the trains still ran on time.
There is no Canon that says a person who declares the Pope s heretic, or that the See is vacant, are excommunicates. The proper procedure would be the accusation and then a trial to determine whether the charges are true. Unfortunately none of the bishops seem to have the courage to do what is necessary.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.