Africans Differ Over Clerical Blessings for Same-Sex Couples

Some African activists have praised Pope Francis' decision to let Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, with hopes that the pope's gesture could ease anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and oppression on the continent. The Vatican said that following the pope's authorization, Catholic priests can now administer blessings to same-sex couples under the condition that they are not part of regular church rituals or liturgies. But such blessings, according to a document from the Vatican's doctrinal office, serve only as a signal that God welcomes everyone.

This has left many Africans confused, triggering mixed emotions in a continent where many people have strong and very conservative views on sexual orientation. The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops' Conference (ZCBC) has rejected Pope Francis' declaration citing Zimbabwe's laws that say same-sex unions are not allowed. ZCBC said pastors must not act in a way that may be seen as endorsing homosexuality. In Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) said the move is meant to promote inclusion irrespective of the moral status of congregants.

The LGBTQ+ community across Africa has constantly sought recognition and the right to live without restrictions and discrimination. Since 2013, the Catholic Church under Pope Francis has made an effort to make the church more welcoming to LGBTQ+ people while maintaining its stance on same-sex unions.