"Pope Francis Grants Catholic Blessings to Same-Sex Couples, Stops Short of Marriage Approval"

Pope Francis has approved Catholic blessings for same-sex couples, as long as priests avoid endorsing their marriage. The Vatican's declaration marks a departure from its previous stance that God "cannot bless sin." However, the Vatican emphasized that marriage remains exclusively between a man and a woman. The document distinguishes between formal liturgical blessings and informal blessings, suggesting that blessings for same-sex couples can take place in settings such as meetings with priests or visits to shrines. The move is seen as a significant step forward for LGBTQ rights within the Catholic Church.