Chicago reacts after Pope Francis says priests can bless same-sex couples

CHICAGO - The Vatican announced a major change on Monday – Pope Francis has formally approved to allow priests to bless same-sex couples.

"It is pretty big news, I have to say. It’s a significant shift in Catholic practice to have a blessing of same-sex couples," said Heidi Schlumpf, senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter.

She says the landmark ruling approved by Pope Francis is a big step but also limited.

"This document is very specific in saying that in no way does this mean that the blessing should be interpreted as comparable to the sacrament of marriage. So it’s really more for an informal blessing. It can’t be done in the context of the liturgy or mass," said Schlumpf.

Schlumpf says for years, she’s heard that the LGBTQ+ community does not feel welcomed in the church, so maybe this will change that relationship.

"The idea that people who are LGBTQ Catholics could have their relationships blessed and get a blessing from the priest, I think, will help many of them feel less ostracized by the church," said Schlumpf.

Many Chicago-based Catholic leaders were slow to comment on Monday.

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, released a statement explaining the decision.

It ends by saying, "Here in the Archdiocese of Chicago, we welcome this declaration, which will help many more in our community feel the closeness and compassion of God."

FOX 32 reached out to the LGBTQ+ Catholic group AGLOChicago for a statement about the blessings of same-sex couples.

AGLOChicago opted to wait for Cardinal Cupich to comment first.