African culture, according to Pope Francis, is turning individuals on the continent into intolerant of blessings for same-sex couples.
The pope also expressed optimism that, with the exception of Africans, whom he referred to as a “special case,” those who had criticized his decision to provide blessings to same-sex couples would eventually come to understand it.
Pope Francis said in an interview that was published by the Italian newspaper La Stampa on Monday that Africans had a terrible cultural perception of homosexuality.
Those with strong protests tend to be members of narrow ideological circles. When asked about the controversy surrounding blessings for same-sex couples, he responded, “Africans are a special case because, from a cultural point of view, homosexuality is something bad and they don’t tolerate it.”
In December, a Vatican document called Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which allowed blessings for same-sex couples, sparked controversy with some African bishops rejecting the move.
However, the Vatican clarified that the blessings should not be included in regular church ceremonies or linked to civil unions or weddings.
“But overall, I hope that the spirit of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration—which seeks to include, not divide—will gradually reassure everyone,” he continued.
It made clear that it considers marriage to be a union of a man and a woman.
The Nigerian Catholic Bishops Conference declared that their country’s Catholic churches will not bless same-sex couples.
They said in a statement, “That would go against God’s law, the teachings of the Church, the laws of our nation, and the cultural sensibilities of our people.”