Pope Leo XIV declared that he does not intend to officialize blessings for same-sex couples.

The sovereign pontiff announced that he will not exceed the efforts of his predecessor, Pope Francis, regarding blessings for same-sex couples. In comments made upon returning from a tour in Africa, he emphasized that the officialization of these blessings could create more division than unity among Catholics. Pope Francis, who died in 2025, allowed informal blessings for same-sex couples, but this decision generated controversy, especially among bishops in Africa.

Leo XIV reaffirmed that the Holy See does not support the officialization of these rituals and emphasized that the Catholic Church should address other moral issues, such as justice and equality, not just those related to sexual ethics. The Church considers that sexual relations outside heterosexual marriage are sins and encourages individuals with homosexual attractions to remain chaste.