News

LGBT blessings: Africans are ‘special case’ – Pope Francis

With the exception of Africans, who are “a special case,” Catholic Pope Francis says he is certain that those who have criticized his recent decision to permit blessings for same-sex couples would eventually come to appreciate it.

He expressed his hope that the spirit of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s “Fiducia Supplicans” declaration—which seeks to include rather than divide—would eventually reassure everyone.

ZINGTIE reminds readers that last month, a document known as the Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust) permitted blessings for same-sex couples.

The Catholic Church has been divided over the issue, with African bishops expressing the strongest opposition.

“Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups,” Francis told the Italian newspaper La Stampa, adding that “A special case is Africans: for them, homosexuality is something ‘bad’ from a cultural point of view; they don’t tolerate it.”

“But in general, I trust that gradually everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it aims to include, not divide,” the pope continued.

Pope Francis seemed to recognize last week the backlash the text caused, particularly in Africa, where bishops have essentially rejected it and where engaging in same-sex activities can result in jail time or even the death penalty.

Nonetheless, he said that priests should “naturally take into account the context, the sensitivities, the places where one lives and the most appropriate ways to do it” when bestowing blessings.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.

Jonathan Nwokpor

View Comments

Recent Posts

What you need to know about Doris Ogah crowned Miss Nigeria 2024 [VIDEO]

Keep up with latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing,…

6 hours ago

Ibadan fire disaster: Neighbours recount how victims cried till they gave up

Keep up with latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing,…

6 hours ago

Stampede deaths: IGP issues strong warning against unorganized distribution of palliatives

Keep up with latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing,…

6 hours ago

Saudi doctor arrested for crashing car into Christmas market in Germany, killing 5

Keep up with latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing,…

8 hours ago

Anambra: Obijackson Foundation finally reacts to stampede that claimed lives

Keep up with latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing,…

8 hours ago

VIDEO: “Old age” – Moment 2baba suffered abrupt knee weakness while grooving to his song

Keep up with latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing,…

8 hours ago