With the exception of Africans, whom he described as “a special case,” Pope Francis expressed optimism that those who have criticised his decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples will eventually come to understand it.
In a Monday interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa, the Pope admitted that, from a cultural standpoint, Africans in particular have a bad opinion of LGBT issues.
The contentious blessings were approved last month by the Catholic Church via a document known as Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which sparked intense discussion and met with strong opposition from African bishops.
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“Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups,” Francis told Italian newspaper La Stampa, adding: “A special case are Africans: for them homosexuality is something ‘bad’ from a cultural point of view, they don’t tolerate it.”
“In general, I trust that gradually everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it aims to include, not divide,” remarked the Pope, indicating his hope for eventual acceptance.
Pope Francis underlined that when priests dispense these blessings, they should take into account the context, sensitivities, and proper techniques for each occasion, acknowledging the reaction, particularly from Africa.
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The 87-year-old Pope said in a different statement regarding his health that although he has occasional aches and pains, he is in good health right now. This follows a string of health setbacks that include hospital stays, trouble moving about, and postponed events in the previous year.
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