'A solid step forward' — LGBTQ+ Catholics react to same-sex blessing declaration

https://www.npr.org/2023/12/19/ [login to see] /vatican-says-priests-can-bless-same-sex-couples
Samuel Smith didn't think he'd see this day in his lifetime.

A document released by the Vatican and approved by Pope Francis now allows priests to bless same-gender couples.

As a gay, transgender Catholic, Smith wasn't sure he'd be able to include any elements of his faith in his wedding.

"Now that we have the option of having a blessing, getting our relationship blessed, even outside of a marriage, even outside of matrimony, which is the sacred sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church," Smith told NPR's Morning Edition. "It's still a big deal to be able to get blessed and to be able to incorporate that Catholic tradition in our relationship."