Catholic pontiff; Pope Francis, says he is sure that people who are against his recent decision to permit same-sex couples to receive blessings will eventually come to accept it—apart from Africans, who he considers to be “a special case,” according to Reuters.
He expressed his hope that over time, everyone will find comfort in the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s “Fiducia Supplicans” proclamation, which seeks to unite rather than divide.
The move has sparked intense discussion inside the Catholic Church, with African bishops expressing the strongest opposition.
“Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups,” Francis told the Italian newspaper ‘La Stampa’, adding that “A special case are Africans: for them, homosexuality is something ‘bad’ from a cultural point of view, they don’t tolerate it.”
“But in general, I trust that gradually everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it aims to include, not divide,” the pope continued.
Last week, Pope Francis appeared to acknowledge the pushback the document generated, especially in Africa, where bishops have effectively rejected it, and in some countries, same-sex activity can lead to prison or even the death penalty.
He, however, stated that when the blessings are given, priests should “naturally take into account the context, the sensitivities, the places where one lives and the most appropriate ways to do it”.
FOOT NOTE: Be careful how you use your authority and influence, be wise, and treat others with respect.
Chychy Jonas