‘African exception’: Pope’s stance on blessing gay couples criticized

Vatican City:

Pope Francis said in an interview published on Monday that he believed critics of his decision to allow blessings to same-sex couples would eventually understand, except for “exceptional cases” of Africans.

Last month, a document called the Fiducia Supplicans (Invocation of Trust), which allows for blessings, sparked widespread debate in the Catholic Church, with resistance from African bishops being particularly strong.

“Those who protest strongly belong to small ideological groups,” Francis told Italian newspaper La Stampa. He added: “Africans are a special case: for them, from a cultural point of view, homosexuality is ‘bad. ‘Things they won’t tolerate homosexuality.”

The Pope continued: “But in general, I believe that everyone will gradually feel reassured by the spirit of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration: it aims at inclusion, not division.”

Last week, Francis appeared to acknowledge the resistance to the document, particularly in Africa, where bishops have effectively rejected it and where same-sex activity can lead to prison terms and even the death penalty in some countries.

When giving a blessing, he said, a priest should “naturally take into account the context, the sensitivities, the place of residence and the most appropriate way.”

In an interview with La Stampa, Francis confirmed that he plans to welcome President Javier Milley of his native Argentina to the Vatican on February 11, with the possibility of eventually visiting the country.

He said his 2024 agenda currently includes trips to Belgium, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

Talking about his health, the 87-year-old said that in recent years, his health has been somewhat affected by hospitalizations, reduced mobility and cancellations of trips or events. “There was some pain, but it’s much better now, I’m fine.” .”

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