Pope Francis recently expressed his conviction that critics of his decision to permit blessings for same-sex couples would eventually come to understand it, except for Africans, whom he described as a “special case.”
The controversial move, authorized in December 2023 through a document titled ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ (Supplicating Trust), has triggered heated discussions within the Catholic Church, particularly encountering resistance from African bishops.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Stampa, Pope Francis addressed the cultural perspective in Africa, noting, “Africans perceive LGBT issues negatively from a cultural standpoint. They find it unacceptable.” Despite this, he expressed confidence that over time, individuals worldwide would come to embrace the decision.
“The vocal protestors mostly belong to niche ideological factions. Africans present a unique situation: for them, homosexuality is culturally ‘unacceptable’; they do not approve,” emphasized the Pope. “However, overall, I believe that gradually, everyone will find solace in the spirit of the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it seeks to unite, not divide.”
Recognizing the resistance, especially in Africa where same-sex relationships can lead to severe legal consequences, Pope Francis underscored the importance for priests to consider the context, sensitivities, and appropriate methods for administering the blessings.
Last week, the pontiff acknowledged the opposition to the document, notably in Africa where bishops rejected it effectively. In response, he encouraged priests to “naturally consider the context, sensitivities, local environments, and the most suitable approaches.”
Regarding concerns about potential schisms within the Catholic Church due to his reforms, Pope Francis dismissed the notion, stating, “We must let them be and move forward… and remain hopeful.”
He expressed his belief that any talk of division stemmed from “small factions” and reiterated the Church’s dedication to inclusivity rather than discord.
