Pope Francis eased the Vatican's ban on blessing same-sex couples. He said priests can use their discretion to give such blessings as long as they do not imply that same-sex union is equal to heterosexual marriage.
The Pope's words, which are likely to fuel tensions with conservative church leaders, were announced by the Vatican on the eve of today's key gathering of bishops, where the most sensitive issues of the Catholic Church will be discussed, according to world media.
In response to a question from a group of cardinals, Pope Francis indicated that he is open to the Catholic Church blessing same-sex couples.
Cautious support
As reported by the BBC, the pope stressed that any request for a blessing should be treated with "pastoral mercy", adding, however, that the Church still considers same-sex relationships to be "objectively sinful" and will not recognize same-sex marriages.
The Pope said that the Church understands marriage as an "exclusive, stable and indissoluble union between a man and a woman" and that it should avoid "any type of ceremony or sacramental that could contradict this belief".
However, the BBC emphasizes, the pope added that "when a blessing is asked for, it is a request to God for help, a request to live better" and that the Church should always approach its relations with people with "kindness, patience, understanding, tenderness and encouragement".
The magazine "Times" assesses that the pope has given cautious support to the blessing of homosexual unions, taking a step beyond the traditional intolerance of the Catholic Church towards homosexuality.
Pope Francis, who back in 2013 said "Who am I to judge?" when asked about homosexuals, has supported, as "The Times" points out, same-sex civil unions while arguing that gay couples need legal rights.
Women vote for the first time
Women will be allowed to vote for the first time at the session of the Synod of Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church, which begins in Rome. In April, Pope Francis approved changes to the norms governing the Synod of Bishops, paving the way for women to hold 54 of the 365 total votes.
"This is a remarkable step forward for women. Not only because of the events of this October in Rome, but also because the church has found a different way to be the church," said the director of the World Women's Observatory, Maria Lia Zervino.
The three-week synod, which will be held behind closed doors, will feature hundreds of delegates who will address some of the most pressing issues facing the church - from the role of women to priestly celibacy and the blessing of gay couples.
The session will end with a vote on specific proposals that will then be presented to the Pope for consideration.
BG/Free Europe/RTS
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