Religious bigots are NOT the only children of God.
Pope Francis defended his decision to let priests bless LGBTQIA/same-sex couples, saying that the “Lord blesses everyone”.
Traditional bishops from Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America – among others – made known their position to refuse to implement the Vatican declaration. But while admitting that this decision could isolate him particularly from extremists in the Roman Catholic Church, “solitude is a price you have to pay” when making difficult decisions, he said.
In December, the Vatican emphasized that marriage is a lifelong commitment only for men and women. And yet it allowed priests to offer non-liturgical blessings to LGBTQIA/same-sex couples as long as these blessings are NOT confused with the rites and rituals of a wedding in the Roman Catholic Church.
In an appearance on “Che Tempo Che Fa”, an Italian talk show, Pope Francis acknowledged that there is “resistance” in the decision that he backed. But he put the blame on bishops who may not really understand the issue, or refuse to open a dialogue about it.
“Sometimes decisions are not accepted. But in most cases, when you don’t accept a decision, it’s because you don’t understand,” said Pope Francis, who added that the danger is when people who don’t understand refuse to enter into a “brotherly discussion” and instead harden their hearts, resist and “make ugly conclusions.”
All the same, Pope Francis stressed: “The Lord blesses everyone.”
