Bishop of Darwin responds to Vatican’s same-sex blessing call

Catholic priests in the Territory will be encouraged to follow the Vatican’s bold move. Read the Bishop of Darwin’s reaction.

Same-sex couples across the Territory can now be blessed by their local priest.

In December, the Vatican approved blessings for same-sex couples which drew the ire of Catholics worldwide.

On Wednesday, the Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci confirmed that same-sex couples could approach their local parish for a blessing.

“Pope Francis’ formal approval of blessing same-sex couples extends to both same-sex and heterosexual couples who are not yet married, emphasising the acknowledgment of the dignity and goodness of each person,” he said.

“It’s essential to clarify that this does not pertain to the blessing of same-sex marriages — the Pope’s message applies universally, including in the NT.”

Bishop Gauci said the Territory, home to approximately 40,000 Catholics according to the 2021 census, would follow the Vatican’s new directive.

“I will strongly encourage all priests in the NT to follow the directives given by Pope Francis regarding the blessing of couples.”

A LGBT rainbow flag hangs from on the steeple of the parish church in the Breitenfeld quarter in Vienna, on March 25, 2021. The Vatican on December 12, 2023 approved blessings for same-sex couples but insisted they must not be established as a Catholic rite nor given in contexts related to civil unions or weddings. Picture: ALEX HALADA /AFP

Bishop Gauci said the decision was consistent with the Church’s tradition.

“I would like to emphasise that the Pope’s statements align with our longstanding beliefs in the Catholic Christian tradition,” he said.

“It is crucial to reiterate that everyone deserves love, is innately loveable, and has a right to be respected and cared for without exception.”

Bishop Gauci maintained that the “rightful expression” of sexual relations was between a man and a woman in marriage, despite the new position.

“The Church’s stance emphasises the inherent dignity and goodness of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation – all individuals deserve respect, love, and care,” he said.

“The Church maintains that the rightful expression of genital sexual relations is within the committed union of marriage, defined as between a man and a woman.”