the bishops of France encourage the blessing of “persons” without mentioning that of same-sex couples

In a press release sent Wednesday January 10, the Conference of Bishops of France (CEF) reacts to the Pope’s authorization of the blessing of couples “irregular” in the eyes of the Church, including same-sex couples. The bishops of France encourage the blessing of “people”, but do not mention the blessing of the couples.

The permanent council of the CEF discusses the “sensitive subject” that this Vatican statement raises. He says he received this statement “as an encouragement to pastors to generously bless the people who approach them humbly asking for God’s help”. “They thus accompany them on their journey of faith so that they discover the call of God in their own existence and respond to it concretely”, writes the CEF. On the other hand, there is no explicit encouragement to bless couples.

Outcry from many bishops

In a document published on December 18 and approved by Pope Francis, the powerful dicastery (ministry) for the Doctrine of the Faith had authorized the blessing of couples “irregular” in the eyes of the Church, including remarried couples and same-sex couples, provided that it is carried out outside liturgical rituals. Entitled “Fiducia supplicans” (“Pleading trust”), this note, considered a major doctrinal change, provoked an outcry from many bishops, particularly in Africa.

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has insisted on the importance of a Church open to all and in particular to the LGBT+ faithful, but his efforts have encountered strong resistance from his traditional and conservative fringe.