1 VATICAN CITY
Pope authorises blessings for same-sex couples
Pope Francis has approved a ruling allowing priests to bless unmarried and same-sex couples in a significant change of position for the Catholic church.
A report from the Vatican’s doctrinal office, details of which were published on Vatican News on Monday, said such blessings would be permitted, albeit with caveats.
“It will be possible to bless same-sex couples but without any type of ritualisation or offering the impression of a marriage,” the report said. Furthermore, “the doctrine regarding marriage does not change, and the blessing does not signify approval of the union”.
Despite the limitations, the announcement does mark a significant step forward by the Vatican, which in 2021 said the Catholic church could not bless same-sex couples as God “does not bless sin”.
One Vatican observer said the move could be “the most concrete pastoral shift on the church’s stance toward gay couples in the church’s 2,000-year history”.
But the report said the gesture must avoid “any form of confusion or scandal”, and blessing ceremonies should not resemble a wedding.
2 FRANCE
Crow of delight as Notre Dame rooster back on perch
A golden rooster – reimagined as a dramatic phoenix with licking, flamed feathers – has been installed by crane atop Notre Dame cathedral’s spire, symbolising resilience after the devastating April 2019 fire.
Chief architect Philippe Villeneuve, who designed the new rooster, said the
