Pope Francis said African culture has made people on the continent intolerant of blessing same-sex couples.
The Pope also expressed confidence that critics of his decision to bless same-sex couples would come to understand this over time, but said Africans were a “special case.” I called it.
In an interview published Monday in Italian newspaper La Stampa, Pope Francis said Africans view homosexuality negatively from a cultural perspective.
“Those who protest violently belong to a small ideological group. A special case is Africans. For them, homosexuality is bad from a cultural point of view, and they do not tolerate it.” When asked about the controversy surrounding blessings to the couple, he said,
“But in general, I believe that gradually everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s declaration of “Pleadings of Faith,” which is aimed at inclusion, not division.” he added.
In December, the Vatican’s document, Fiducia Supplicans, allowing blessings for same-sex couples, caused controversy, with some African bishops rejecting the move.
However, the Vatican has made clear that the blessing should not be included in the church’s regular rituals or associated with civil unions or weddings.
He emphasized that marriage is seen as something between a man and a woman.
Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference has announced that the country’s Catholic Church will no longer bless gay marriages.
“It would be contrary to the laws of God, the teachings of the Church, the laws of our country, and the cultural sensibilities of our people,” they said in a statement.