Catholic Diocese of Cleveland responds to Pope Francis' approval of blessing same-sex relationships

Lynna Lai has more on the response by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland to Pope Francis' affirmation of blessing same-sex couples.

In a landmark document released Monday, Pope Francis formally affirmed the ability of Catholic clergy to bless certain people in what he called "irregular situations," particularly same-sex couples.

It's the latest, and perhaps most significant, move for a pontiff who has consistently attempted to reach out to LGBTQ+ individuals during his 10-year tenure. However, the declaration does come with a number of restrictions, as such blessings cannot take place during regular Church rituals or liturgies, "[n]or can it be performed with any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding."

"God never turns away anyone who approaches him!" the document read. "Ultimately, a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God. The request for a blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy, and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live. It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered."

The announcement has sparked a wide range of reactions across the world, including right here in Northeast Ohio, where the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland appeared to respond favorably to Francis' words. Still, the Diocese affirmed that today's action "in no way changes Church teaching, including that marriage is reserved to one man and one woman."

The diocese's full statement can be read below:

"The Holy Father, Pope Francis, approved a recent document issued by the Vatican that has made it clear that anyone who has the intention of seeking God's help in living holy lives may request a blessing from the Church. Such people, including those who are in marriages not recognized by the Church and those in same-sex relationships, can be spontaneously blessed by the Church's ministers when they ask for God's strength and help in responding to His will. When people ask for a blessing from the Church, the Holy Father rightfully calls us to see it as a sign that they wish to do God's will and that they, like all of us, need God's help to do it. As the document states explicitly, this in no way changes Church teaching, including that marriage is reserved to one man and one woman."

[KarlBlade-tiyd]

How can you allow your priests to bless sin, and then say it shouldn't be seen as a marrige?😂😂😂😂

[vickigranacher]

I don't want the church to be closer to the LGBTQXYZ community
The sinner should be transformed by the church and the Word of God, not the other way around.

[jimthomas]

Mankind can approve all it wants

God has the Final say !
1 Corinthians 6: 9 & 10

[nildarodriguez]

What is the purpose of having their union blessed? How will that benefit them when they are openly in a sinful union. Where does it say in the bible God blesses sin -- the opposite is true. Radical Church leadership is encouraging it and there is a reason behind it. People need to think beyond what they're made to believe. The chaos from this recent move will make itself quite evident in a very short time. Destruction. Pray!

[richmle]

Yet another reason why our World is Doomed.

[acevers]

Wrong. This is a step closer to the end.

[catherinechiara]

Some restrictions??? Not a marriage ....yet. Francis of Rome is hell bent on destroying the Catholic church. Pray for his immortal soul 🙏 and for the lost souls he has led astray. A true shepherd protects his flock.

[vincentberg]

Such a ‘blessing’ causes a number of questions. What is a homosexual couple seeking by asking for a blessing? What is the Church offering in response? What is the Holy Spirit called for and what is exactly being blessed? What is a spiritual purpose of such a ‘blessing’ and what sort of a particular help it intends to provide?
Undoubtedly, the Church cannot bless the sin. Consequently, as long as the Church views the same sex relationship as a sin in its core, its ‘blessing’ does not look, at least, sensible.
Faithfully yours,
bishop Vincent Berg.

[JLSULev]

What a sad day of darkness for the church.

[achilleskiwanuka]

A great confusion the church has not seen for wonder whether, in the spirit of synodality, African bishops were consulted...

[ficationsare]

Only one question to ask when looking for a new church: "How many genders are there?"

[zxojuzw]

It should be noted that New Ways Ministry is condemned by the Catholic Church.

[yashabacynthia]

I honestly think God can come now because we are continuing to hurt Him day by day.

[vilmajimenez]

So SAD. I respect him as the Leader of our Church, but I can't accept his act of deviation from Jesus teachings.

[mdhoan]

Why would any one get a private blessing from the priest?

[doreenkosamu]

We’re in the end of the world 🌎 many things have started showing up 😢

[-Peter-]

As a Christian who’s suffered from same sex attractions I do not agree with the Antichrist Pope. Christ said to repent. That goes for me and everyone else. Just because man says they’re married it doesn’t mean God recognizes it. The government should have never taken place of God and determined they’ll say who’s married or not. That’s determined between family members and God alone. The pope is a false leader acting as god teaching that all ways lead to Christ however that contradicts the very word of God whom he says he serves. You cannot serve two God’s.

[sandraatkins]

Watch those priest who are anxious to do this blessing, especially between two men.

[dianedohman]

On the way to chastisement for the holy Catholic Church . This is a slippery slope .

[bobdee]

Blessed Mother said Rome would lose the faith...I think that's pretty much to the point don't you?