"African Catholic Hierarchy Stands Firm Against Same-Sex Blessings"

The Catholic bishops of Africa and Madagascar have issued a statement rejecting Pope Francis' recent declaration allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples, asserting that such unions are "contrary to the will of God." The bishops cited biblical teaching and African cultural norms as reasons for their refusal, causing a growing divide between Francis' progressive papacy and the conservative church, particularly in Africa. The controversy has deepened with the botched rollout of the declaration, leading to confusion and opposition among bishops worldwide.