The Vatican States "Cannot Recognize Same-Sex Unions"

Papal Authority Interpretation Released
Pope Francis Also Approves

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Vatican has officially stated that it does not recognize same-sex marriage.

According to the Associated Press on the 15th (local time), the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued an authoritative interpretation stating that the Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex marriages. It is reported that Pope Francis also approved this interpretation.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith explained that "because God cannot bless sin, (same-sex unions) cannot be recognized."

This applies not only to same-sex marriage but also to same-sex unions in general.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is a department of the Vatican responsible for promoting and preserving doctrines related to faith and moral ethics.

According to Catholic doctrine, marriage is between a man and a woman, and same-sex marriage is not permitted. Naturally, same-sex sexual acts are also prohibited.

The Congregation emphasized, "This is not unjust discrimination but a reminder of the truth related to the sacrament of marriage and its blessing."

However, it added that blessing a person who has a homosexual orientation but shows a will to live faithfully is not problematic.

Pope Francis has previously emphasized that the human rights of homosexuals should not be violated and that their rights should be legally protected. However, he has clearly expressed opposition to same-sex marriage.

Earlier, in some countries such as the United States and Germany, there were cases where priests blessed same-sex unions, causing controversy. As the controversy continued, the Vatican directly intervened to clearly draw the line, according to some interpretations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.