Pope Francis Suggests Catholic Church Could Bless Same-Sex Marriages

In a response made public Monday, Pope Francis appeared to suggest a way to enable the blessing of same-sex couples by clerics, something not recognised by the Holy See but practised in countries such as Germany and Belgium.

   While maintaining that the Church only recognized marriage between a man and a woman, Pope Francis stated that "we cannot be judges who only deny, reject, and exclude," advising "pastoral prudence."

Since taking office in 2013, Francis has tried to improve Church governance. He has encountered fierce internal resistance as he strives to make it less hierarchical and more attentive to the concerns of the faithful.

Despite disagreements with conservatives on matters ranging from the LGBTQ faithful to the treatment of divorcees, Pope Francis started a major congress on the future of the Catholic Church, vowing to open doors to "everyone."

The Synod of Bishops' general assembly convenes following an extraordinary two-year global survey that will also discuss issues such as women deacons and clerical celibacy. It will take place in Rome for four weeks.

In his inaugural address, Pope Francis emphasized welcome, attempting to make the Church of 1.3 billion believers more tolerant in the face of changing societal norms and demographics, especially the rise of Christianity outside the West.

"The Church is here to help you!" "The Church of the Open Doors is for everyone, everyone, everyone," the 86-year-old stated during a massive mass in St Peter's Square.

"In such a complex time as ours, new cultural and pastoral challenges emerge that call for a warm and kindly inner attitude so that we can encounter each other without fear," he stated.

The Argentine pontiff warned against "a rigid Church" and expressed hope that the meeting would avoid "human strategies, political calculations, or ideological battles."

However, he stated that the objective was not to hold "a parliamentary meeting or a reformation plan." No. We've come to walk together under the eyes of Jesus."

However, even before the hearings began, five conservative cardinals asked Francis to restate Catholic doctrine on gay couples' treatment and women's ordination. 

Their "Doubts" queries were accompanied by an open letter to followers warning of the potential of "confusion" and "error."

They were concerned that the issues presented during the Synod process would alienate many Catholics.

Nuns and laywomen will be able to vote and participate in General Assembly deliberations for the first time in Church history.

One knowledgeable Holy See observer, who did not want to be identified, stated that their participation would make the synodal process more successful.

"There is an ecclesiastical culture among bishops." That won't work with the laity anymore," a source told AFP before of the assembly's start.

"They will not be satisfied with nice worIn this way, Francis is pushing the envelope, which is why many people are concerned."

The assembly's second session is slated for October 2024, so no solid decisions are expected anytime soon.

However, hopes are high, as are concerns, with the dialogues so far highlighting divergences between national Churches and the Vatican.ds; they will demand the procedure, the willingness to change, and efficiency."