OPINION: God wants the ‘gays’ to be saved too.

Pope Francis recently issued the document titled, “Fiducia Supplicans” on December 18, 2023, which allows the clergy to bestow blessings on “couples in irregular situations”, including same-sex couples. A huge pastoral gesture for the Catholic Church to offer, particularly for individuals outside the grounds of ‘traditional’ marriage. Of course, this declaration in Catholic teaching will not go out without controversy being ensued.

While people of the progressive side of the socio-political spectrum rejoiced in this so-called "progress” in Church doctrine, many people, particularly Catholics, have voiced their hostility against the declaration, claiming that it's against what the Church traditionally teaches about homosexuality and marriage. However, these claims are either a product of confusion or misinterpretation.

In almost a month within the promulgation of “Fiducia Supplicans”, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) has released a 2,00-word document to provide clarification, particularly in regard to the bishops’ reception on the declaration. To quote, the clarification stated that it has no intention “to justify anything that is not morally acceptable.” Instead, the blessings imposed upon the individuals is “solely the response of a pastor towards two persons who ask for God’s help.”

Additionally, the Prefect of the Dicastery Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez said that “this declaration remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, not allowing any type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that can create confusion.”

So there we have it, contrary to what many have claimed, the document has no purpose of creating any kind of novelty, nor to go against what has been taught. Rather, a just reminder for Catholics worldwide of the Church’s pastoral mission to people in need of spiritual guidance. It is a noble act on the Holy Father’s end to issue such a declaration, that for once, he finally gives an emphasis on the obligation of the Church in providing pastoral charity openly, especially in regard to people with same-sex attraction or within homosexual relationships.

Staying true to its teaching without compromise, the Catechism clearly states that homosexual persons “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.” It does not, in any way, undermine the teaching of the Church obliging them to live a chaste life.

Many times did the Pope expressed pastoral care towards members of the LGBTQ+ community, more recently when he reaffirmed his stance on laws passed that criminalizes homosexuality, calling it an injustice. Moreover, in defense of the declaration, Pope Francis has argued that to be ‘scandalized’ in blessing homosexual individuals is “hypocrisy.”

Locally, the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, said that the document is “clear in its content and intent.” Whereas Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas describes the document as an act of mercy.

In the case of the same sex attracted Catholic layman, whose perceives his tendencies as a “heavy cross to bear”, the declaration paves the way to provide more opportunities for people like him to further their understanding the authentic roles they take part in the Church.

As it is taught in the Catholic Church that God wills the salvation of all peoples, therefore He also wills the redemption of those with homosexual tendencies. The details inscribed in “Fiducia Supplicans” is a testament of that. Like a shepherd tending to his flock, it is the obligation of every Catholic, layperson or clergyman, to accompany them in their spiritual journey and enlightenment, to partake in God’s holy will and the great plan that is the redemption of mankind.