Same-sex relationships

Pope Leo: Holy See does not approve formalized blessings of same-sex unions, but 'all are welcome' in Church

Courtney Mares · April 23, 2026

Pope Leo XIV said on the papal plane April 23 that the Holy See does not approve of formalized blessings of same-sex couples, while stressing that Church unity "should not revolve around sexual matters" and that all people are welcome in the Catholic Church.

In '60 Minutes' interview, Pope Francis clarifies same-sex blessings, speaks out against war, says clergy abuse can 'not be tolerated'

Gina Christian · May 23, 2024

In the latest comment from the Vatican on "Fiducia Supplicans," the controversial declaration issued by the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in December 2023 that includes guidelines on the blessing of same-sex couples, Pope Francis clarified that he didn't allow blessings of "the union" but of "each person."

Egyptian Catholic clergy say interreligious ties are being derailed by 'Fiducia'

Jonathan Luxmoore · March 13, 2024

Catholic clergy from Egypt have warned that ties with Orthodox and Islamic leaders are being derailed by a Vatican decision to allow the blessing of same-sex couples, after the country's influential Coptic Orthodox Church suspended dialogue over the issue.

Not appropriate to bless same-sex couples in Africa, bishops say

Carol Glatz · January 11, 2024

Reaffirming their fidelity to the pope and the Gospel, Catholic bishops in Africa have released a common response to a recent Vatican declaration, saying they "generally prefer" not to offer blessings to same-sex couples.

'No' to same-sex blessings, say two Eastern Catholic bishops

Gina Christian · January 9, 2024

The apostolic administrator of Toronto’s Byzantine Catholic Eparchy has joined with a Ukrainian archbishop in rejecting a controversial Vatican document on pastoral blessings for same-sex couples and other unmarried couples.