Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples: ‘They’re listening to the needs of the people’

Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive it. Religious leaders reacted to the news, saying the decision was made because the Vatican is “listening to the needs of the people,” and while it’s a step in the right direction, there are still “miles to go” for LGBTQ+ rights in the Church.

• Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples if they don’t resemble marriage