Following the Vatican’s statement regarding the blessing of same-sex couples, the Archbishop of Abidjan has broken the silence. He did so through a note that he made public on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
Since Monday, December 18, 2023, a declaration from the Vatican allowing the blessing of same-sex couples has been causing a stir. In response, His Eminence Jean Pierre Cardinal Kutwa, Archbishop of Abidjan, broke his silence on Tuesday, December 19, through a published note. He urged priests and deacons to hold off on blessing same-sex couples. “All Priests and Deacons are asked to WAIT and COMPLY with the Provisions of His Eminence Jean Pierre Cardinal KUTWA, Archbishop of Abidjan,” invited the Archbishop of Abidjan.
According to this note, the said recommendation applies only and strictly within all structures on the diocesan territory (Parishes, Seminaries, Institutions, religious Congregations, Training Houses, and New Communities). “The responsibility of the Episcopal Vicars, the Dean Priests, and the Parish Priests is required for the implementation of this recommendation. Additional information will be communicated as it becomes available,” concluded the document.
As a reminder, on Monday, December 18, the Vatican, while not fully endorsing same-sex marriage, authorized the blessing of same-sex couples, which will not be part of a liturgical rite. “It is possible to bless couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples,” it is indicated in a declaration “submitted to the Holy Father, who approved it.” However, this blessing must occur “in a form that should not be ritually established by ecclesiastical authorities.”
