Pope's First Statement on 'Blessing of Same-Sex Couples' Controversy: "Hasty Conclusion Due to Misunderstanding"

Pope Francis is waving to the faithful gathered to celebrate Christmas on December 25 last year (local time) from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Pope Francis explained that the controversy over the Vatican recognizing priests' blessings for same-sex couples arose because people misunderstood the intention and jumped to conclusions prematurely.

According to major foreign media on the 15th (local time), Pope Francis responded to related questions on the Italian Channel 9 TV talk show 'Che Tempo Che Fa' (How's the Weather) aired the previous day.

Earlier, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith stated in a doctrinal declaration approved by the Pope on December 18 last year that Catholic priests may bless same-sex couples if they wish.

This was interpreted as a groundbreaking decision different from the Catholic tradition that excludes same-sex couples. It sparked backlash, especially from African countries that prohibit or punish homosexuality.

Pope Francis said, "Sometimes decisions are not accepted, mostly when they are not understood." This is the first time the Pope has publicly addressed the controversy over blessings for same-sex couples.

He added, "The danger is that if people dislike something, they hold it in their hearts, resist it, and hastily jump to ugly conclusions. This happened regarding the recent decision about blessings for everyone."

He continued, "God blesses everyone, but people must start a dialogue within God's blessing and see the path God presents."

In the interview, the Pope also expressed his desire to visit his homeland Argentina in the second half of this year.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the first Pope from South America, he has never visited his homeland since his enthronement in 2013.

The Vatican's official media, Vatican News, predicted that after visiting Polynesia in August this year, the Pope will visit his homeland Argentina at the end of the year.

At 87 years old this year and having been hospitalized several times last year, the Pope dismissed rumors of voluntary resignation, saying, "It is a possibility open to all Popes, but at present it is not at the center of my thoughts, concerns, or feelings."

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