Pope’s Shift on Gay Couples Followed Quiet Talks and Loud Resistance
New York TimesJUL 2023
Pope Francis Clarifies Stance on Same-Sex Couple Blessings
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The Spin
Conservative narrative
The Catholic Church’s recent statements on same-sex relationships have pushed the boundaries of Catholic doctrine, and Pope Francis' doctrinal chief needs to be replaced by a serious theologian. In the Fiducia Supplicans, Cardinal Fernandez essentially called for the blessing of people shamelessly engaged in irregular relations, something he and the pope have needed to walk back. However, it's clear there's a serious ideological threat that seeks to undermine long-standing Catholic teachings about marriage and morality.
Progressive narrative
The right-wing detractors of Pope Francis within the Catholic Church are seeking to spin the DDF’s statement and demonize any sort of compassion for the LGBTQ+ community. Pope Francis has never called for a change to Catholic teachings; rather he and Cardinal Fernandez are simply acknowledging that all people are welcomed by the Church. Pope Francis’ willingness to bless everyone should be celebrated instead of criticized.