
Cardinal Arinze Explains Why Belgian Bishops Cannot Bless Same-Sex Couples
The cardinal said their approach is not pastoral and ignores Catholic teaching.
The cardinal said their approach is not pastoral and ignores Catholic teaching.
Theologians say Cardinal Marx’s recent comments appear to contradict settled Church teachings regarding sexuality and don’t conform with the principles of genuine doctrinal development.
COMMENTARY: Thus, the Vatican’s instruction that it cannot bless same-sex unions protects the transformative value of the sacraments.
Just as they did in 1968, Catholic dissidents push alternate narrative ahead of official Church teaching.
50-year-old Fr. Mignani, pastor of Santa Caterina Parish in Bonassola, said during his homily March 28, “if I can’t bless same-sex couples, then I won’t bless palms and olive branches either."
Cardinal Schönborn, who noted that he has served as a CDF member for 25 years, said he regretted that the committee to which he belongs was not consulted over such a “sensitive question.”
NEWS ANALYSIS: Sources say that two senior cardinals wanted to bring the president of the German bishops’ conference to Rome for correction regarding his recent controversial comments, but were overruled by Pope Francis.
The CDF said March 15 that the Church hasn’t the power to bless same-sex unions.
The document has prompted an outcry from those in the Church who wish to see a change in teaching, mostly in the German-speaking world.
COMMENTARY: The Holy Father’s German gamble failed. He led with an open hand and got a clenched fist in return.
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