(ZENIT News / Cairo, 23.05.2024).- On Wednesday, May 22, Coptic Pope Tawadros II met in Cairo, Egypt, with Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The main reason for their meeting was the Declaration “Fiducia Supplicans” and the position of the Coptic Holy Synod on March 7 in regard to “homosexual marriage.”
Cardinal Fernández conveyed to Tawadros II Pope Francis’ greeting, recalling the previous meetings between the two religious leaders. Highlighted during their meeting was the Declaration “Fiducia Supplicans”, published last December by the Vatican Dicastery, and the subsequent doctrinal Declaration “Dignitas Infinita,” both of which reaffirm the definition of marriage as the union between one man and one woman, open to procreation. The Cardinal emphasized that the Catholic Church, like the Coptic Church, is opposed to marriage between same-sex persons.
Cardinal Fernández explained that the Declaration “Fiducia Supplicans” does not allow the blessing of unions between same-sex persons. However, he clarified that it’s possible to bless persons as individuals, without a formal rite or liturgical vestments, and only briefly and spontaneously. These blessings can be imparted in various contexts, including in the street during pilgrimages, and they are destined to all, regardless of their condition.
During their conversation, Tawadros shared with Fernández the historical, cultural and social context of the Egyptian people, profoundly linked to the Nile River throughout their history. This explanation gave the Cardinal a more profound understanding of the ethos that guides the Coptic community. On the Website of the Orthodox Coptic Patriarchate the following note was published after their meeting:
The conversation during the meeting focused on the Orthodox Coptic Church’s statement, issued by the Holy Synod in March 2024, which included its rejection of so-called marriage between same-sex persons. Cardinal Victor Fernández pointed out that the Catholic Church supports this statement fully and is committed to all that is contained in it, considering that they are teachings of the Holy Bible.
He pointed out that the Document on Human Dignity, issued by the Catholic Church, states clearly that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman after which children are born, highlighting the Catholic Church’s total rejection of marriage between same-sex persons.
The Cardinal pointed out that he had given an exhaustive clarification of this question in a detailed letter, exactly as requested by the delegation of the Eastern Orthodox Churches in the Committee of Dialogue with the Catholic Church, which was held in January 2024.
Also present at the meeting between Cardinal Fernández and Pope Tawadros was Egypt’s Ambassador to the Holy See.
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