In a significant rebuke to Pope Francis, the Catholic bishops of Africa and Madagascar have jointly issued a statement refusing to comply with his recent declaration allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples.
The unified statement, signed by Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo on behalf of the symposium of African national bishops conferences, reflects a continent-wide dissent from the pontiff’s approval of such blessings, asserting that such unions are “contrary to the will of God.”
Pope’s Declaration Causes Division
Pope Francis’ approval, on December 18, of a declaration from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples, has stirred controversy within the Catholic Church.
While it has been embraced by LGBTQ Catholics as a sign of inclusivity, it has raised concerns among conservatives who fear a departure from traditional doctrines.
The controversy surrounding same-sex blessings has further widened the gap between Pope Francis’ progressive papacy and the more conservative elements of the Church, particularly in Africa.
The region has seen a significant growth in the number of Catholics, making it a critical demographic for the Church.
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Cardinal of Africa Opposes Same-Sex Blessings
Cardinal Ambongo, in the statement, highlighted that African priests find it inappropriate to offer blessings to same-sex couples due to the potential scandal and confusion it might cause.
He emphasized the traditional biblical teachings condemning homosexuality as an abomination and underscored the contradiction of LGBTQ unions with African cultural norms.
The symposium statement conveyed the shock and unrest caused by the Pope’s declaration among African lay faithful, consecrated persons, and pastors.
While affirming their communion with Pope Francis, the African bishops expressed their belief that allowing such blessings would cause confusion and be in direct contradiction to the cultural ethos of African communities.
The December 18 declaration, known as Fiducia Supplicans, has faced criticism for its rollout, with accusations of a lack of consultation and forewarning to bishops outside the Vatican.
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, faced backlash for the document’s publication without proper communication with church leaders worldwide.
The reaction to the declaration has been diverse, with some national conferences expressing confusion and opposition, while others, such as France’s bishops conference, welcomed it.
France’s bishops noted that the declaration encourages pastors to generously bless those seeking God’s help, emphasizing that it reminds the faithful that love from God and the Church is not exclusive to those committed to the sacrament of marriage.
In response to the differing views, Cardinal Fernández issued a second explanatory note, emphasizing that the document was not “heretical” but acknowledging opposing perspectives. He recognized that the declaration might not be universally applicable and suggested the need for further “pastoral reflection” on the matter.
Read more: Pope Francis Opens Door To Blessings For Same-Sex Couples Under Specific Conditions
