Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex relationships

Pope Francis

Pope Francis gestures during a past event. PHOTO | AFP

Photo credit: Tiziana Fabi | AFP

The Vatican on Monday 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.

In a document approved by Pope Francis, the Vatican backed "the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex".