Vatican excludes same-sex union blessing

The Vatican said on Monday that priests and other Catholic Church ministers cannot bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are “not licit” if carried out.

The Vatican’s doctrinal office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, issued the ruling in response to questions and moves in some parishes to impart such blessings as a sign of welcome to gay Catholics. The answer, contained in a two-page explanation published in seven languages and approved by Pope Francis, was “negative.”

The Vatican further said God “cannot bless sin”.