Statement on "Fiducia Supplicans"

On Dec. 18 2023, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, head of the Vatican office — “The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith” — issued a document, Fiducia Supplicans which was approved by Pope Francis. The document addressed blessing couples in irregular unions, including couples who are in a same-sex marriage. I stated on Dec. 18 that I would comment upon this document once I had the opportunity to speak with the Presbyteral Council (Council of Priests) of the Archdiocese of Mobile. I did so at the first meeting of 2024 which was on Jan. 24. 

Waiting these few weeks before commenting has allowed me the opportunity to read a variety of articles commenting upon the document. Some people, both those supporting and those criticizing the document have read into things which are not stated in the document. 

I regret the confusion which has been sown by some who have sought to read into the document what is not present in its wording. It would be far more prudent and fair to understand a Vatican document by what it states rather than reading into it what is not written. 

It is important to first remember that the document does not change the Church theology of marriage. The document states that marriage “is the exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children.” The document goes on to state that “The Church’s doctrine on this point remains firm.” 

The document provides that persons in irregular unions should feel free to request blessings. In clarifying the document later, Pope Francis stated that this is intended “to concretely show the closeness of the Lord and of the Church to all those who, finding themselves in different situations, ask for help to carry on – and sometimes to begin – a journey of faith.”  

Such blessings are blessings of the couple, not their union. The document does not give approval to same-sex unions. There is a very old teaching of the Church: “Lex orandi, lex credendi.” This means that there can be no contradiction between the way we pray as a Church and what we believe as a Church. Hence, there can be no blessing of a union which is in contradiction of Church theology. A blessing asks God to be with us, mindful that no one is ever beyond the love of God. 

The document provides that blessings of persons in irregular unions must be spontaneous, very brief, without any liturgical celebration, and in no way giving the appearance of a wedding. This will be followed in the Archdiocese of Mobile. 

Finally, a word to our wonderful clergy. In recent times, much is said about accompanying people in their life of faith and in reaching out to people on the peripheries. I thank the clergy of our Archdiocese. Our clergy are outstanding in walking with people in their journey of faith and in reaching out to all people, regardless of background. While no one is ever perfect, our priests are exemplary in their ministry, they bring the love of God to many and many to the love of God. If one wishes to see good men of God who accompany people in their quest for a relationship with Him, regardless of who they are, one would have to look no further than the clergy of the Archdiocese of Mobile.