Blessing same-sex couples: Vatican clarification

On 18 December 2023, Vatican News announced Doctrinal declaration opens possibility to bless couples in irregular situations, following the publication of the Declaration “Fiducia supplicans” which was issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) and approved by Pope Francis. Under these provisions “it will be possible to bless same-sex couples but without any type of ritualization or offering the impression of a marriage. The doctrine regarding marriage does not change, and the blessing does not signify approval of the union”. The Declaration was summarized in Vatican Declaration: Blessing same-sex couples and in a later post.

Part IV of the Declaration stated:

“beyond the guidance provided above, no further responses should be expected about possible ways to regulate details or practicalities regarding blessings of this type” (paragraph 41)”.

However, on 4 January 2024, DDF issued the following Press Release which, for the avoidance of doubt, is reproduced in full below. Continue reading