Pope Francis Opens Door For Same-Sex Couples To Receive Certain Blessings

The Vatican published a document Monday clarifying that priests within the Catholic Church can offer certain blessings to same-sex couples.

The declaration states that ordained priests can provide non-liturgical blessings to couples of the same sex or those in “irregular situations,” but explicitly states that the blessing should not be confused with blessings related to the Sacrament of Marriage; the blessing also does not constitute an endorsement of the same-sex union. The Vatican has been beset with questions on its stance on same-sex relationships for years...