Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with specifications that it not be confused with a marriage, which the church still defines as a sacrament between a man and a woman. However, the pope says people seeking "God's love and mercy" should not be subjected to an "exhaustive moral analysis. "
A local theologian says this continues Francis's mission of making the Catholic church welcoming for all.
"Pope Francis is a very pastoral pope," Loyola University professor of ministry and theology Tom Ryan said, pointing out that the Pope Francis's declaration reiterates the pontiff's mission. "It says: in this way, every brother and sister will feel that in the church they are always loved despite everything--always blessed."
However, Ryan says the declaration should not be construed as a gateway to the Vatican approving same-sex marriages.
"These blessings will not be formalized or will not be highly normalized, but in particular situations, a priest may decided to bless people in a same-sex relationship," Ryan noted.
According to Ryan, Pope Francis is tackling two separate issues by issuing this declaration.
"The tension here is between clarity and the desire to avoid confusion," Ryan said.
According to Ryan, Pope Francis provided that clarity by explaining that persons in same-sex relationships may receive blessings from a priest but not have their relationships formalized through marriage in the church. Still, Ryan notes that Francis furthered his goal of making the Catholic Church more inclusive.
"His leaning towards a pastoral consideration (and) emphasis on love of God for all people, I think people will also appreciate that," Ryan said.
