A group of Peruvian priests refused to bless homosexual couples, adopting a stance that contrasts with the official position supported by Pope Francis on same-sex unions.
In a statement, 51 priests of the Prelature of Moyobamba, which is located in the Peruvian jungle, expressed their support for the directive of Bishop Rafael Escudero, who rejected the declaration issued by the Holy See in December and expressly prohibited the performance of blessings to homosexual couples.
The signatory priests expressly requested the Supreme Pontiff to annul the Fiducia Supplicans declaration, published at the end of 2023 and questioned its validity.
"In total unanimity, without fissures, we abide, subscribe and appreciate the pastoral message of our bishop. Given the confusion and perplexity that the declaration has caused, we beg the Holy Father to annul the validity of the document and any statement that allows the administration of sacraments or blessings to people in objective mortal sin without repentance and desire for conversion," the statement reads.
However, the priests assured that their position does not constitute an act of rebellion since their desire continues to be to collaborate with the Holy Father, which, according to them, distinguishes them from other bishops and priests who do flagrantly disobey the traditional teachings of the Church.
¡En contra! 😯 Contra el Vaticano: 51 sacerdotes peruanos se declaran en desacato y piden al Papa Francisco anular bendición a parejas homosexuales.⬇️ https://t.co/GEoDZlHm4n
— Infobae Perú (@infobaeperu) January 9, 2024
"Let no one think that this message places us in rebellion as those bishops and priests are (…) Not a few, in addition, propagate, without hiding, their intention to change the doctrine and secular morality of the Church. Of course, it is rebellion against God, against the pope and against the faithful people. This message carries with it the sincere desire to help the Holy Father filially in his mission to guide the Holy People of God, as he has asked us so many times," the text indicates.
It should be noted that neither the Peruvian Episcopal Conference nor the Archbishopric of Lima have yet issued any statement on this controversial message from the prelature of Moyobamba.
The Fiducia Supplians Declaration
The controversial document issued in November by the Holy See and signed by Pope Francis contemplates the option of granting blessings to couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their 'status' or modifying in any way the immutable teaching of the Church on Marriage.
"In such cases, a blessing is imparted that not only has an ascending value but is also the invocation of a blessing that descends from God upon those who—recognizing themselves to be destitute and in need of his help—do not claim a legitimation of their own status, but who beg that all that is true, good, and humanly valid in their lives and their relationships be enriched, healed, and elevated by the presence of the Holy Spirit," indicates the statement.
