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.
A little racist.
Poop Francis.
“Pope Francis says opponents of gay couples blessings are ‘small ideological groups’ and Africans.”
Oh, one other, Francis: God.
Them Darkies, always a’causin’ a ruckus, sez Francis the Pagan Fraud.
Yeah, and that small ideological group known as Muslims.
He just labeled all Africans homophobes, even those of the Catholic faith, and those that wear the clothing of the Church. What a dumbass.
He’s just another stupid leftist.
Can’t see the hypocrisy of his own corrupt beliefs, so needs to spin, twist and contort his words so as not to look the fool
BKMK
And God.
The lampstand has been removed.
Is "various situations" a new euphemism for sexual deviance?
He left out the Bible.
I guess the Pope knows better than God what God hates and finds as a sin. I will stay with God’s word on the subject.
Leviticus 18:22 ~ You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
Leviticus 20:13 ~ If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
Jude 1:7 ~ Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
Romans 1:26-28 ~ For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
Mark 10:6-9 ~ But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
There have been some very bad Pope’s throughout history... Most of them served in the middle ages, but this dude is giving them a run for their money. Among modern Popes he is the worst.
And Africans are more special than the rest of you homophobic sinners...its ok for them to feel that way because culture or something.
What an absolute a-hole.
Certainly a PINO...
The anti-Pope speaks. Satan could not have said it better himself.
Some people are just stupid. Practicing Catholics, for example.
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