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Catholic Leaders Revolt Against Pope Francis’ Endorsement of Blessing Same-Sex Unions

A significant rift within the Catholic Church has emerged as 90 prominent Catholic figures publicly express their dissent against a Vatican-approved document by Pope Francis that endorses the blessing of same-sex unions, marking a historic shift in church doctrine.

The Controversial Doctrine

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The document in question, Fiducia Supplicans, released on December 18 and endorsed by Pope Francis, has ignited a firestorm by permitting blessings for couples outside the traditional marriage framework, including same-sex partnerships.

Conservative Outcry

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Catholic conservatives argue that the document contradicts scripture and church tradition, urging cardinals and bishops to reject its implementation and call for its immediate withdrawal.

Global Reaction

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The move has polarized the global Catholic community, attracting acclaim from progressive factions while sparking intense backlash from conservative circles, including the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.

Prominent Signatories

Among those voicing opposition are notable scholars and clergy, such as Gil Bailie, Dr. Regis Martin, and Rev. Robert Sirico, highlighting the breadth of dissent across academic and religious spheres.

Media Platform and Petition

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LifeSiteNews.com, known for its advocacy of traditional Judeo-Christian values, published the letter and hosted a petition against the blessing of same-sex unions, garnering over 21,000 signatories.

Historic Opposition

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The letter’s signatories emphasize the unprecedented level of opposition Fiducia Supplicans has faced.

According to them, Fiducia Supplicans signifies a “clear break with Scripture and the Tradition of the Church.” 

Strong Rejection

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The document also states that “never in the history of the Catholic Church has a document of the Roman Magisterium experienced such a strong rejection,” citing “twenty episcopal conferences, dozens of individual prelates, and even cardinals invested with the highest positions” as those who have expressed opposition. 

The Letter’s Warnings

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Critics of the doctrine fear it will lead to the church blessing relationships they view as “objectively sinful,” posing a threat to the faith’s moral foundations and causing confusion among the faithful.

Immediately Forbid Application

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They also stressed that the cardinals and bishops should “forbid immediately the application of this document in your diocese” and “ask directly the Pope to urgently withdraw this unfortunate document, which is in contradiction with both Scripture and the universal and uninterrupted Tradition of the Church.”

Bishops’ Resistance

Bishop Joseph Strickland voiced his criticism, saying, “We really simply need to be a united voice saying ‘no, we will not respond to this, we will not incorporate this into the life of the church,’ because we simply must say no.”

Pope’s Response to Criticism

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Pope Francis has acknowledged the existence of a “reactionary attitude” within the church, particularly in the United States, criticizing it as a regressive force against progress.

An Unfolding Debate

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The dispute over Fiducia Supplicans underscores a deepening divide within the Catholic Church, reflecting broader tensions over the direction of religious doctrine and the inclusivity of church practices.

As debates continue, the church stands at a crossroads between tradition and reform.

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