Each local bishop and each episcopal conference should discern how to apply the declaration Fiducia Supplicans, stated the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, commenting on the reluctance expressed towards this document by many high-ranking prelates around the world.
The document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith distinguishes between liturgical blessings and those of an informal nature, encouraging the blessing of persons in "irregular situations" and "same-sex couples," specifying that they must not be confused with the approval of behaviors or circumstances contrary to the doctrine of the faith.
In an interview published in the Spanish newspaper ABC, Cardinal Fernández responded to criticisms and differing opinions expressed by other cardinals, bishops, and episcopal conferences, assuring that "if the text is read with the proper disposition, one can notice that it upholds with great clarity and simplicity the perennial Catholic teaching on marriage and human sexuality."
The Cardinal emphasized that critics of Fiducia Supplicans "cannot disagree with this doctrine," noting that, in his view, reservations about the document are related to "an inappropriate blessing, which can easily be confused with the legitimization of an irregular relationship."
Cardinal Fernández highlighted that especially in Africa, where legislation exists that punishes with imprisonment the mere act of declaring oneself homosexual, one can imagine the reception the blessing of same-sex couples would receive. He added that "it is appropriate for each local bishop to make a discernment in his diocese, and in any case to provide additional directives."
Following the publication of Fiducia Supplicans on December 18, various statements have been made by different bishops or episcopal conferences worldwide, expressing divergent opinions.
Bishops in some countries, such as Germany, Austria, and France, have expressed satisfaction with the declaration, and some have even stated that priests cannot refuse to give these non-liturgical blessings to persons in irregular situations.
In other countries, such as the United States, Ukraine, Ghana, Kenya, and Mexico, bishops have expressed support while cautioning about the difficulties related to ensuring that these pastoral gestures would not lead to confusion among the faithful regarding a change in the Church's teaching on marriage and sexuality.
In this regard, the Bishop of Orihuela-Alicante in Spain, José Ignacio Munilla, noted that while the declaration is not "heretical," its application could introduce chaos. Bishops in at least three countries—Kazakhstan, Malawi, and Zambia—have prohibited the application of Fiducia Supplicans.
The Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith told the newspaper ABC that the informal or "pastoral" blessing permitted by Fiducia Supplicans does not mean, in the case of homosexual persons, "the acceptance of marriage, nor the approval of the lifestyle they lead, nor absolution. It is a simple gesture of pastoral closeness that does not have the same requirements as a sacrament."
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"We will have to get used to understanding that if a priest gives this type of simple blessing, he is not heretical, he is not ratifying anything, nor is he denying Catholic doctrine on marriage," added the Cardinal.
When asked if this declaration is the first step towards accepting homosexual behaviors or the equality of marriage with same-sex unions, the Cardinal stated that "this perception is completely mistaken. Whoever claims that has not read the text, or is 'ill-disposed'."
"The declaration clearly and consistently states that these are non-ritual blessings, so they must not be interpreted as a marriage," said Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.
This article was originally published by Ekai and then translated by LeCatho | Original Link.