Pope okays blessings for same-sex couples. Terms and conditions apply

THE Vatican on Monday approved their blessings for samesex couples but insisted they must not be established as a Catholic rite nor given in contexts related to civil unions or weddings.

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In a document approved by Pope Francis, the Vatican backed "the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex."

"One should not prevent or prohibit the Church's closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God's help through a simple blessing," it said.

However, it does not change the Catholic Church's stance on same-sex marriages or unions.

The Church insists that a marriage is only between a man and a woman, and it is for the purpose of having children.