Admin I Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2023
BERLIN – A majority of people in Germany are in favour of Pope Francis’ permission for the blessing of same-sex partnerships, according to a survey published by the Yougov research institute on Wednesday.
Of the participants 60% were in favour, with 39% saying they are fully in favour of the decision, while a further 21% are somewhat in favour. In contrast, a total of 21% are opposed.
Approval among women is higher than amongst men, with 65% of women on board compared to 55% of men.
Pope Francis opened the door to allow the blessing of same-sex unions by Catholic priests as long as it does not give the impression of marriage, according to a declaration issued by the Vatican on Monday.
The statement, which was approved by Francis and is called “Fiducia Supplicans” (Supplicating, or Humbly Praying, Faith), was published by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and allows the blessing of “couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.”
