This morning the Holy See issued the Declaration Fiducia Supplicans, approved by Pope Francis. This document seeks to “broaden” and “enrich” the concept of “blessing” in the Catholic Church.                                                     

The Declaration clearly affirms the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage between a man and a woman, not allowing any type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that could create confusion about the Sacrament of Matrimony. At the same time, taking account of very precise pastoral situations, it opens the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without, however, officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.

We are now discerning how the Declaration might impact how we can serve all people in our Catholic community. This reflection process will take time. As highlighted in our Archdiocese’s synodal process and at the recent Synod of Bishops, we are always striving, in keeping with the Gospel and Tradition, to become an ever more welcoming community. We pray that this Vatican document will open new doors through which we can share God’s love and mercy.

+ J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver

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