Africans are a special case– What Pope Francis said on blessing same-sex marriage
In a thought-provoking revelation, Pope Francis delves into the complexities surrounding the acceptance of queer individuals, singling out Africans as a distinctive case.
The pontiff’s reflections come in response to the fervent criticism he faced for endorsing same-sex blessings in a recent document, the “Fiducia supplicans.“
The Catholic Church became a battleground of opinions, with vehement resistance notably emanating from African bishops. Pope Francis, in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa, unravels the purpose behind the blessings – a testament to the Gospel’s inclusive message that sanctifies all.
Acknowledging cultural disparities, the Pope highlights that Africans oppose these developments due to deeply ingrained cultural perspectives, branding homosexuality as ‘ugly’ within their framework. Despite this, he maintains optimism, anticipating a global embrace of the situation.
“Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups,” asserts Pope Francis, drawing a distinction for Africans, whose opposition stems from cultural roots rather than ideology.
He envisions a gradual shift towards acceptance, emphasizing the unifying spirit of the ‘Fiducia supplicans’ from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, aiming to include rather than divide.
Addressing concerns about potential church division, the Pope dismisses small schismatic groups, urging a forward-looking approach. “You have to let them go and pass… and look ahead,” he affirms, emphasizing the importance of unity.
Amidst the ecclesiastical turmoil, Pope Francis candidly discusses his own health challenges – a narrative marked by hospitalizations, mobility issues, and canceled trips.
“Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups,” Francis said.
“A separate case is Africans: for them homosexuality is something ‘ugly’ from a cultural point of view. They do not tolerate it.
“But in general, I trust that gradually everyone will reassure themselves of the spirit of the ‘Fiducia supplicans’ statement of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it wants to include, not divide. He invites people to welcome and then entrust people, and entrust themselves to God.”
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Asked if he was concerned about a split in the church over the development, Francis replied in the negative, saying “in the church, there were small groups that manifested reflections of schismatic color” but that “you have to let them go and pass… and look ahead”.