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U.S.-Born Pope Leo XIV Warns Same-Sex Blessings Threaten Church Unity

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, said Church unity must focus on justice, equality and freedom, not only sexual ethics, during his remarks on the Malabo-Rome flight.
He warned that expanding same-sex blessings could fracture the Catholic Church.
He affirmed Pope Francis’ 2023 allowance for informal, case-by-case same-sex blessings while rejecting any formal ritual.
He noted resistance from some African bishops to the informal blessings, underscoring regional tension.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, said Church unity must focus on justice, equality and freedom, not only sexual ethics, during his remarks on the Malabo-Rome flight.
He warned that expanding same-sex blessings could fracture the Catholic Church.
He affirmed Pope Francis’ 2023 allowance for informal, case-by-case same-sex blessings while rejecting any formal ritual.
He noted resistance from some African bishops to the informal blessings, underscoring regional tension.