Pope Francis Approves Blessings for Same-Sex Couples Amid Resistance

The new rule, seen as a sign of acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community, has been met with opposition from conservative bishops, highlighting a potential split within the Catholic Church.

• Pope Francis has approved a new rule allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, a significant shift in the Catholic Church's stance towards the LGBTQ+ community.
• The new rule does not change the church's teaching that homosexual acts are 'intrinsically disordered', but it is seen as a sign of acceptance for a group that the church has long marginalized.
• Conservative bishops in countries like Zambia, Malawi, and Kazakhstan have rejected the new guidelines, highlighting a potential split within the church.
• The new rule comes after years of private conversations between Pope Francis and LGBTQ+ Catholics, as well as advocates for the community.
• The Vatican's new guidelines have been met with resistance in conservative African nations, where opposition to gay rights and unions is fervent.

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