Pope Congratulates, Blesses Gay Couple on the Baptism of Their Adopted Children
Pope Francis, through an aide, has sent his congratulations and apostolic blessing to a legally married Brazilian gay couple on the occasion of the baptism of their three adopted children.
The Reis-Harrad family with the parish priest after the three children’s baptism.
According to Business Monkey News (the only immediately available English language news story), Toni Reis and David Harrad received a letter from Monsignor Paolo Borgia, advisor to the Secretary of State Vatican, which read in part:
“Pope Francisco wishes you congratulations, calling for his family abundance of divine graces, to live constantly and faithfully the condition of Christians.”
The couple, who were married in 2011, and they adopted three children–Alyson, Jessica, Felipe–between 2012 and 2014. They wrote to the pope in the spring of 2017, informing him of the upcoming baptism of their children, who are now young teens. They live in the city of Curitiba in Brazil’s Paraná state.
Reis posted a photo of the letter on his Facebook page.
Though the Vatican is downplaying the significance of the letter, saying the pope responds to many of the personal letters he receives, its impact on pastoral care cannot be underestimated.
Pope Francis knows the impact that his messages, even personal ones for private occasions, will have around the world. He is savvy enough, based on his history of making headlines with LGBT-positive statements, to know that his gesture would be made public.
The way I see it, Pope Francis is giving a clear message to bishops, priests, and pastoral ministers around the world about how they should treat families headed by gay and lesbian couples. His message is “welcome and bless.”
I am not under any illusion that Pope Francis approves, theologically, of same-gender marriages. Indeed, he has publicly opposed laws intended to spread marriage equality.
But, he has consistently promoted a positive pastoral response to LGBT people and their families. He seems to recognize that there is a difference between political reality and personal reality, and he is courageous enough to respond positively to the personal reality, even if it conflicts with his political ideas.
Our bishops need to follow his example. Of course, the first to come to mind is Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, who made headlines last month because of his draconian barring of married lesbian and gay people from most of parish life. As we’ve noted before, Bishop Paprocki could learn from Bishop Patrick McGrath of San Jose, California, who instructed his priests to “not refuse sacraments or Christian Burial to anyone who requests them in good faith.”
The words of Toni Reis should ring in the ears of bishops and LGBT people around the world:
“It is a great advance for an institution that burned gays during the Inquisition and now sends us an official letter congratulating our family. I am very happy, as I can die in peace.”
—Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry, August 9, 2017
Related Article
Washington Blade, “Pope Francis congratulates gay couple for baptizing children“
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-clarifies-gay-couple-received-standard-form-letter-from-pope-not-endorsement-62273/
Thanks for including this link. I do believe the letter hit a nerve with those homophobic Catholics given their “clarification” which indicates their worst fear, ie,sanctioning of gay marriage. However, what is really telling is that there is no mention of the subject of the letter, i.e., the baptism of three adopted children. Odd given their alleged “pro-life” position, or should I say “pro-birth” position.
I read a rant on Fox News of EWTN folks and other Catholics attacking Francis for his “liberal agenda” of climate change, supporting gays, and demoting his critics. As always, consider the source.
Remember Jesus came to save us ALL!
I actually thought this was fiction when I read the headline. Should we expect some correction of the Pope’s intention from the Vatican ? Will they claim it was a misunderstanding ? I pray not.
Telling the story in a short video:
https://www.facebook.com/poenaroda/videos/1479085868837709/
Wonderful, if true.
Read his comments on trans people. The T is NOT silent!
I’m writing because I’m confused. Does the Honorable Pope Francis approve of Bishop Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois not allowing Catholics to receive last rights or funerals if they are gay unless they show repentance? How is it that the Pope appears to have a very different view than Bishop Paprocki? I would think the holy order of Catholicism placing the Pope at the highest would be setting an example of those beneath him to follow his orders? How do you explain this that the Bishop chose to go his own way instead of the way of the church and it’s acceptable? Is he to be removed from the Archdiocese? If not, why is there no uniformity and consistency throughout the Catholic Church if each clergy is setting their own rules/decrees? Many are awaiting your reply to me. Thanking you in advance for any insight you can render.
Ms Ava A Aubertin
191 Goffstown Back Road
Goffstown NH 03045
USA