According to a document released by the Vatican’s doctrine office on Monday, the 87-year-old pontiff, Pope Francis, expresses support for blessing same-sex couples, framing it as an “expression of the Church’s maternal heart.” This follows the pope’s earlier response, two months ago, indicating openness to some Catholic priests blessing same-sex unions in response to questions from five cardinals.

The document emphasizes that God welcomes all, stating, “God never turns away anyone who approaches him!” It sees blessings as a means to increase trust in God, describing it as a seed of the Holy Spirit that should be nurtured. However, it clarifies that rites and prayers causing confusion between marriage and contradictory elements are inadmissible.

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, in the declaration, underlines that the new rule doesn’t alter the traditional doctrine of the church about marriage and doesn’t permit liturgical rites resembling the sacrament of marriage. The intent is to allow those seeking the blessing to open their lives to God, seeking His help for a better life and greater faithfulness.

Rev. James Martin praises the decision as a “major step forward in the church’s ministry to LGBTQ people,” recognizing the desire of many Catholic same-sex couples for God’s presence in their relationships. Pope Francis previously expressed support for the civil unions of same-sex couples in October 2020, and in March 2021, the Vatican called for welcoming gay people with “respect and sensitivity,” although their marriages and unions wouldn’t receive the same response. In July 2023, the pope criticized laws criminalizing homosexuality as “unfair,” emphasizing that we are all children of God and loved as we are.