Pope Francis says opposing blessings for gay couples is hypocrisy

Criticizing the Vatican’s decision on the possibility of blessing gay couples is “hypocrisy,” Pope Francis says.

In an interview soon to be published in the Catholic magazine Credere, the Pope emphasizes the inconsistency of being scandalized by blessing same-sex couples while not objecting to blessings given to businessmen who may exploit others.

“No one is scandalized if I give my blessing to a businessman who perhaps exploits people, and this is a very serious sin, and they are scandalized if I bless a homosexual… This is hypocrisy,” the pontiff said. Last December, the Vatican made a groundbreaking decision allowing priests to bless same-sex couples without validating their marriage, eliciting varied responses.

To prevent confusion or scandal, the Vatican’s doctrine office issued guidelines stating that blessings for couples in irregular situations should not coincide with civil union ceremonies. While the decision has been welcomed by many episcopal conferences worldwide, the more conservative faction has labeled it as blasphemy.

Some bishops, particularly from Africa, have dismissed it. The interview also touches on the Pope’s support for greater inclusion of women in the Roman Curia, acknowledging their effectiveness in certain roles.