Reactions as Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples

The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, the Vatican announced Monday, a radical shift in policy that aimed at making the church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage.

The document from the Vatican’s doctrine office elaborates on a letter Francis sent to two conservative cardinals that was published in October.

In that preliminary response, the bishop of Rome and sovereign of the Vatican City State, Francis, suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if the blessings weren’t confused with the ritual of marriage.

The development has however generated mixed reactions across social media. Below are some: