Vatican Says Church 'Does Not and Cannot' Bless Same-Sex Unions

The Vatican's doctrinal office said in a letter Monday that the Catholic Church "does not and cannot bless sin" as part of an explanation for why the church will not bless same-sex unions. The office was asked if "the Church have the power to give the blessing to unions of persons of the same sex?”, to which it responded: “Negative.” Pope Francis, who approved the statement, made headlines last year after he voiced support for civil union laws for same-sex couples. The Vatican says it's decision isn't "a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite and of the very nature of the sacramentals, as the Church understands them." News outlets across the spectrum covered the story. Coverage was featured more prominently by left- and center-rated outlets, and less by right-rated sources. Some reports from left-rated sources framed the church's statement as adversarial, and focused on potential reactions from gay and lesbian Catholics around the world. Coverage from right-rated outlets often highlighted the church's reasoning for opposing same-sex unions, as well as the church's official encouragement that Christians "welcome with respect and sensitivity persons with homosexual inclinations."