Pope Francis said in an interview published Monday that Africans are a “special case” of opposition to homosexuality among bishops and many others on the continent.
But even those who criticized his decision to allow non-African same-sex couples to bless said they were confident they would eventually be blessed. Last month, 4,444 blessings were approved in documents called “fiduciary supplicants.” The document has sparked widespread debate within the Catholic Church, with strong opposition from African bishops in particular.
“Those who protest violently belong to a small ideological group,” Francisco told Italian newspaper La Stampa. “A special case is Africans, for whom, culturally speaking, homosexuality is ‘bad’ and they do not tolerate it.”
“But overall, everyone gradually I believe that we will be guided by a spirit like this.” The Holy See’s declaration of “Pleasant of the Faith” aims to include, not to divide,” the Pope said.
Last week, Francis appeared to acknowledge the opposition the document has received, particularly in Africa, where it has been effectively rejected by bishops and where same-sex acts are punishable by prison or even the death penalty in some countries. may be punished.
“Those who protest violently belong to a small ideological group,” Francisco told Italian newspaper La Stampa. “A special case is Africans. Culturally speaking, homosexuality is ‘bad’ for them and they do not tolerate it.”
When blessing, priests “of course take into consideration the context, sensibilities and emotions.” “We will take it into account,” he said. He needs to consider where he lives and “consider the most appropriate method.”
When giving a blessing, he said, priests should “of course take into account the situation, your sensibilities, where you live and the most appropriate method.”