I never approved blessing same sex unions — Pope Francis

Pope Francis has denied giving approval for the blessing of same-sex couples.

The Pope clarified that he permitted the blessing of individuals, but not same-sex unions.

Fox News reports that during a conversation with CBS’ ’60 Minutes’, the Pope was asked about a perceived change in Vatican policy when he approved blessings for Catholics in same-sex unions.

“Last year you decided to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples,” CBS ’60 Minutes’ anchor Norah O’Donnell said. “That’s a big change. Why?”

“No, what I allowed was not to bless the union. That cannot be done because that is not the sacrament. I cannot. The Lord made it that way,” the Pope responded, in remarks translated into English.

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“But to bless each person, yes. The blessing is for everyone. For everyone. To bless a homosexual-type union, however, goes against the given right, against the law of the Church. But to bless each person, why not? The blessing is for all. Some people were scandalized by this. But why? Everyone! Everyone!” he added.

Recall that the Pope allowed blessings for same-sex couples in a document called Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust).

The news made waves worldwide, with some gay Catholics viewing it as a welcome change after previously feeling alienated by Church teachings.

This development sparked widespread debate within the Catholic Church, with particularly strong resistance from African bishops.