Church - Future Archbishop of Bamberg welcomes Pope's decision
The future Archbishop of Bamberg, Herwig Gössl, welcomes Pope Francis' clarification that the blessing of homosexual and remarried couples is possible in principle. "This takes up an important wish of many believers, which was also expressed in the Synodal Path."
However, the declaration from Rome emphasizes the distinction from marriage, which according to church teaching is still reserved for men and women, as Gössl announced on Monday. Any confusion between a blessing and a marriage ceremony must be ruled out.
"The declaration opens up new possibilities in pastoral care to make it clear that homosexuals must not be discriminated against and that they, like remarried divorcees, are not excluded from church life and from God's blessing."
Whether same-sex couples may receive a blessing is one of the contentious issues in the Catholic Church. On Monday, the Vatican published a letter on the doctrine of the faith, which speaks of the "possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples". This does not put homosexual partnerships on an equal footing with traditional marriage.
Herwig Gössl is the diocesan administrator in Bamberg and will be officially inaugurated into his new office as archbishop on March 2, 2024.
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- The decision by Pope Francis has garnered significant attention in Bavaria, where Herwig Gössl, the future Archbishop of Bamberg, resides.
- The clarification from the Vatican regarding the blessing of homosexual and remarried couples has sparked debate within the Italian Church, particularly in light of Gössl's supportive stance.
- Roman Catholic theologian Herwig Gössl, currently serving as the diocesan administrator in Bamberg, sees this as an opportunity to clarify the Church's stance on inclusivity and non-discrimination.
- Pope Francis' indication that there may be a possibility for blessings for couples in irregular situations, including same-sex couples, has been met with both praise and criticism within the broader Roman Catholic community in Europe.
- In a statement, Gössl expressed his appreciation for Pope Francis' clarification, acknowledging the significance of acknowledging and including LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church.
- The Vatican's announcement has also led to increasing awareness of the religious rights and dignities of LGBTQ+ individuals, making it a significant development in the discourse on religion and inclusion.
Source: www.stern.de
