Again, Nigerian bishops disagree with Pope Francis on blessing same-sex couples

Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have reiterated their disapproval with the position of Pope Francis on the blessing of same-sex couples.

As part of reforms to make the Catholic Church more inclusive, Pope Francis permitted priests to look kindly on queer couples seeking favours from God.

The Vatican, however, clarified that “such blessings should not be conducted with any church rites that offer the impression of a marriage”.

However, many of the Pope’s flocks, mostly African bishops, kicked against his directive.

In a speech on Sunday, Lucius Ugorji, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), said declarations from the Holy See should encourage unity and communion on matters of doctrine, morals and liturgy, as opposed to what the Fiducia Supplicans did.

Ugorji spoke at the formal opening of the 2024 first plenary assembly of the CBCN at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

According to the priest, the Fiducia Supplicans hurt the unity and catholicity of the Church.

“We must sincerely admit that the declaration, Fiducia Supplicans (on the pastoral meaning of blessings), issued on 18th December, 2023, by the dicastery for the doctrine of the faith, has added to our pains,” Ugorji said.

“In the midst of this confusion and pushback, we must, as pastors with the pastoral task of safeguarding the deposit of faith in its purity and integrity, uphold the teaching of the church based on Holy Scripture and tradition.

“We shouldn’t be conformed to this world but be transformed by renewing your minds, so we may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

“We must continue to teach our faithful that there is no possibility of blessing same-sex couples or same-sex unions in the church in Africa.”

Ugorji described homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered and, above all, contrary to natural law”.

“In furtherance of our pastoral and prophetic mission, we must also continue to stress that God loves the sinner unconditionally and calls him to repentance so that he might live,” he added.

Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, said synodality — which entails holding open discussions at all levels in the church for future decisions — “resonates with our African culture because we always do things together as a family and we consult the members of the family to take collective decisions, based on the African principle”.

“We have a duty to listen to the rest of the universal church, just as our African culture, ethics and morality have much to offer to our universal family, the Church,” Kaigama added.

In an interview last month, the pope said Africans are a special case when it comes to accepting queer couples because of their culture, adding that they would eventually come around.

Francis also said he was not concerned about a split in the church over the development, saying “you have to let them go and pass… and look ahead”.