Bishop Paprocki issues statement on the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s declaration on blessings

On Dec. 18, 2023, the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a declaration titled, “Fiducia Supplicans,” On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued this statement in response:

“This document offers ministers of the Church instruction on how to offer blessings to those people who are in irregular relationships while avoiding any real or perceived intent to bless the irregular unions themselves. Regrettably, many media headlines regarding this document have been factually inaccurate and misleading.  The document does not approve the blessing of same-sex unions and reinforces unchangeable Church teaching regarding marriage and sexuality. I encourage all those with questions to read the actual text of the document. I also join my brother bishops in our joint statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in noting that this declaration supports our efforts to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing, love, and mercy in our lives.”