Pope Leo XIV spoke out against Cardinal Reinhard Marx, who had instructed priests to give blessings for same-sex couples.
The matter of blessings for same-sex couples has divided the Catholic Church. Marx, who has served as archbishop of Munich and Freising in Germany for nearly two decades, has instructed priests to adopt the “Blessing Give Strength to Love,” which includes blessings for “irregular couples,” according to Catholic outlet EWTN News.
Why It Matters
Leo, like his predecessor Pope Francis, has taken a less strictly conservative approach to same-sex couples than some previous leaders of the Catholic Church. This has drawn celebration from LGBTQ+ and progressive Catholics, but more conservative members of the church have been opposed to this approach. The pope’s response reflects nuance in his stance—he has not gone as far as more progressive members of the church but still emphasized unity.
Pope Leo Voices Disagreement With Cardinal, But Calls for Unity
Leo addressed that decision during a news conference on Thursday.
“The Holy See has made it clear that we do not agree with the formalized blessing of couples, in this case, homosexual couples, as you asked, or couples in irregular situations, beyond what was specifically, if you will, allowed for by Pope Francis in saying all people receive blessings,” he said.
Leo added that the Vatican has “already spoken to the German bishops” about the matter. Still, he said, he believes there are greater issues facing the church than that of sexual “morality.”
“In reality, I believe there are much greater, more important issues, such as justice, equality, freedom of men and women, freedom of religion, that would all take priority before that particular issue. The Holy See has already spoken to the German bishops,” he said.
He also warned that the matter “can cause more disunity than unity.”
“We should look for ways to build our unity upon Jesus Christ and what Jesus Christ teaches,” the pope said.
Leo’s disagreement was “very measured,” Francis DeBernardo, executive director of LGBTQ+ Catholic outreach organization New Ways Ministry, told Newsweek.
“He did not condemn them or even criticize them. He simply said there is disagreement, and that this is not a cause for disunity,” DeBernardo said. “That even-tempered attitude shows that Pope Leo is following in the footsteps of Pope Francis by fostering a Catholic Church which is more collegial and synodal in character.”
He said he is “heartened” by the pope’s comments about other areas of morality being of greater concern.
“He listed other matters, more social matters—justice, equality, freedom—as being of greater concern to the Church. For years, Catholic advocates for LGBTQ+ people have been saying the same thing, so it is good to hear from the pope that he is making a decisive turn away from the church’s obsession with sexual matters,” DeBernardo said.
Leo’s emphasis on social issues instead of sexuality is “good news for LGBTQ+ Catholics and those who support them by providing an opening for greater discussion, something that LGBTQ+ Catholics have been desiring and calling for over the course of many decades,” he added.
Cardinal Reinhard Marx’s Blessing Orders: What to Know
The disagreement centers around the “Blessing Gives Strength to Love” handout backed by Marx that would formalize blessings for same-sex couples. It is viewed as going further than the Vatican’s 2023 declaration Fiducia Supplicans.
Catholic newspaper Die Tagespost reported that the cardinal said the guidelines make it clear “that the blessing is not the celebration of a sacramental marriage but that this does not mean that the blessing of a non-sacramental union, which in many cases is already a civil marriage, relegates the couple to the margins of the community and the Church.”
The document says that “ritually determined by the ecclesiastical authorities … so as not to cause confusion with the blessing of the sacrament of marriage,” according to EWTN.
Marx reportedly emphasized that no couple should be turned away.
How Does Pope Leo Differ From Pope Francis on Gay Rights?
Francis approved priest blessings for same-sex couples and said in 2013, “Who am I to judge?” about an allegedly gay priest. He was viewed as much more progressive on gay rights compared to earlier popes. Francis had also spoken against the criminalization of homosexuality.
Leo has not reversed Francis’ policies but has been viewed as a bit more moderate on the issue, yet still embraces a more inclusive tone. According to the National Catholic Register, he has called for acceptance but said debates are divisive and that doctrinal change would be unlikely.
How Do US Catholics Feel About Gay Rights?
A majority of American Catholics believe priests should be allowed to give blessings to same-sex couples, according to a Pew Research Center poll conducted last year. It found that 60 percent of Catholics supported blessings for same-sex couples, while 38 percent were opposed.
A smaller plurality of 50 percent supported the recognition of same-sex couples. Forty-seven percent said they would be opposed to that recognition, according to the poll, which was conducted from February 3-9, 2025, among 1,787 Catholics.
That marked a slight decrease in support compared to February 2024, when 54 percent of Catholics told Pew they support recognition for same-sex couples.
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