Pope Francis approves blessing of same-sex couples
Read what Catholics have to say about the monumental shift
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
In a document released Monday, Pope Francis made a major change to church policy by allowing Catholic clergy to bless same-sex couples. A blessing can be given as long as it doesn’t include liturgy or happen alongside the sacrament of marriage.
This document is likely to further division between Catholics, as it continues to contradict doctrine practiced by conservative Catholics and is seen as necessary reform to progressive Catholics — an overall trend of this pontificate. Above all, many have expressed concern that the language of the document creates confusion and is open to easy misinterpretation by media.
In today’s top stories, Executive Editor Clemente Lisi reports on the ruling and the reactions of Catholic leaders — including whether the confusion is intentional and whether it’s likely for priests to conduct these blessings.
Pope Francis Approves Blessing Of Same-Sex Couples
Pope Francis has approved allowing Catholic clergy to bless same-sex unions — issuing a document on Monday detailing the change in the Vatican’s policy. The document, issued by the Vatican’s Doctrine of the Faith, elaborated on a letter the pontiff had sent to cardinals that was published in October. by Clemente Lisi
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What Catholics Are Saying About The Pope’s Decision To Bless Same-Sex Couples
Catholics around the world continued to debate the decision by Pope Francis to allow priests to bless same-sex couples. Many rejoiced in seeing the headlines about the decision, while others across the doctrinal spectrum argued it could sow confusion and exacerbate tensions further between progressives and conservatives. by Clemente Lisi
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Norwegian writer Jon Fosse was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature on Dec. 10, an honor universally praised as much-deserved for a writer who has been one of Europe’s greatest for quite some time. Fosse, a playwright, novelist and poet, hasn’t always been happy, but he’s been prolific. He’s also a Catholic convert. by Clemente Lisi
How Blue And White Became Synonymous With Judaism
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Initially, a symbolic gesture against racism, taking the knee evolved into a collective action. Orlando Magic’s power forward Jonathan Isaac chose a different path. Throughout 2020, he made a choice not to take a knee or wear a BLM shirt. This placed him among the few athletes who opted to stand during the national anthem. by Jovan Tripkovic
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Católicos Españoles Recitan Rosarios Desafiando La Prohibición Del Gobierno
Cientos de miles de católicos en toda España y en algunas partes del mundo hispanohablante aprovecharon la Fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción del viernes para rezar el rosario en las calles en protesta por la represión del gobierno contra las expresiones de fe en público. by Clemente Lisi
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🗳️ Ballots Are In: Check Out The Top 10 Religion Stories of 2023 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights the top religion news of 2023, as voted by the Religion News Association. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
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