(ZENIT News / Roma, 30.01.2024).- On Monday, January 29, the Italian newspaper La Stampa published an interview with Pope Francis in which he addressed a number of current issues of general interest. Among them was the blessing of couples in irregular situations, specifically, same sex couples; the experience of loneliness and the possibility of a schism.
In regard to the blessings, the Pope said that some “Ask me how so?” I answer: the Gospel is to sanctify everyone. Of course, so long as there is good will. It’s necessary to give specific instructions about Christian life (I stress that the union isn’t blessed but the persons). But we are all sinners. Why, then, make a list of sinners that can be in the Church and a list of sinners that can’t be in the Church? This isn’t the Gospel.”
Given that in an interview on January 14 during an Italian TV program the Holy Father spoke about the loneliness [in taking] decisions, also in the context of the document on pastoral blessings to same-sex couples, Pope Francis answered the question posed if he felt alone. “Loneliness is as variable as the Spring: in that season there can be a lovely day, with sun, a blue sky and a pleasant breeze; 24 hours later, perhaps, the weather darkens. We all experience loneliness. One who says “I don’t know what loneliness is” is a person missing something. Above all, when I feel alone I pray. And when I perceive tensions around me, I try calmly to engage in dialogues and discussions. But I go forward, day after day.”
Then, speaking of the “rebellion” aroused after the publication of Fiducia Supplicans (up to now there is a whole Continent that has rejected the implementation of the document and at least 48 Episcopal Conferences, dioceses and Bishops who also have contested it in one way or another), the Pope said: “Those that protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups. The Africans are a separate case: for them homosexuality is something ‘ugly’ from the cultural point of view; they don’t tolerate it. However, in general, I trust that gradually all will calm down given the spirit of the Declaration ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which wants to include, not divide. It invites to receive and then to entrust the persons, and to entrust oneself, to God.” There have always been in the Church small little groups that express reflections of a schismatic sort . . . you have to let them do and then pass . . . and look ahead.”
This was the third time Pope Francis addressed in public the subject of blessings to irregular couples. The first was on January 14 during an interview in an Italian TV program and the second, in his address to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, on the occasion of its Plenary Assembly.
