Pope Francis has expressed confidence that those who criticise his decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples will come to understand it over time, except for Africans, whom he referred to as a “special case.”
Reuters reports that Pope Francis stated that Africans perceive homosexuality negatively from a cultural perspective in an interview with Italian newspaper, La Stampa, that was published on Monday, January 29.
“Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups. A special case are Africans: for them homosexuality is something bad from a cultural point of view, they don’t tolerate it.
“But in general, I trust that gradually everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it aims to include, not divide,” he said.
Last month, a Vatican document called Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which allowed blessings for same-sex couples, sparked widespread debate in the Catholic Church and around the world.
However, the Vatican made it clear that blessings should not be included in regular church ceremonies or linked to civil unions or weddings.
It emphasised that it continues to view marriage as between a man and a woman.
According to Reuters, last week, Francis seemed to recognise the resistance that the document generated, particularly in Africa, where in some countries, same-sex activity can result in severe consequences, such as imprisonment or even capital punishment.
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