NEW: Pope Leo's doctrinal chief confirms blessings for same-sex couples are here to stay.

Leo's decision signals he intends to continue Francis's mission of making the church a home for everyone.

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On July 4, 2025, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the Vatican’s chief doctrinal officer, declared that Fiducia Supplicans — the 2023 policy allowing blessings for same-sex couples and those in irregular situations — will remain firmly in place during Pope Leo’s pontificate, as reported first by Vida Nueva Digital.

Fernández, responding to journalist Franca Giansoldati of Il Messaggero, dismissed any notion of retracting the policy, signaling Pope Leo’s unwavering commitment to its pastoral approach under Pope Francis.

This 2023 declaration, which stirred global debate upon its release, continues to challenge the Catholic Church to balance compassion with doctrinal fidelity.

As I argued after its release, Fiducia Supplicans is an authentically Christian approach to same-sex relationships.

Fiducia Supplicans allows priests to offer blessings to couples in non-traditional relationships, explicitly stating these acts do not alter the Church’s teaching on marriage as a sacrament between a man and a woman.

Fernández’s words underscore the Church’s pastoral intent: to extend God’s love to those often marginalized, without redefining core doctrine.

His affirmation reflects Pope Francis and, now, Pope Leo’s vision of a Church that meets people where they are, offering grace amid complex human realities.

Yet, this policy remains contentious. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, archbishop of Kinshasa, has publicly opposed the blessings, calling homosexuality a “doctrinal, theological problem.”

His stance, echoed by some African bishops, highlights a divide within the global Church.

Critics argue the policy risks diluting traditional teachings, while supporters see it as a vital step toward inclusivity, aligning with the Church’s mission to reflect Christ’s mercy.

The declaration’s staying power signals a broader shift — one that prioritizes pastoral care while navigating theological tensions.

This approach invites Catholics to wrestle with how to embody love in a divided world, holding space for both the marginalized and those steadfast in tradition.

The Church stands at a crossroads, tasked with living out its call to universal love without compromising its doctrinal heart.

Fernández’s words are a clarion call: Fiducia Supplicans is not a fleeting gesture but a lasting commitment to the faith of Jesus Christ that seeks to embrace all, even as it grapples with disagreement.

In this tension lies the Church’s challenge — and its hope.