Pope Francis, in his Christmas greetings to the Curia, the Vatican’s central administration, cautioned against inflexible ideological positions that may impede the Church’s progress, addressing concerns following the recent approval of blessings for same-sex couples.
At 87, the pontiff acknowledged the ongoing debate between progressives and conservatives, emphasising the need to avoid rigid ideologies.
Expressing a commitment to journeying forward, Pope Francis invoked the imagery of the Magi, urging Christians to follow the guiding light even on unexplored paths.
This comes after a controversial ruling that encouraged division within the Church by allowing priests to bless same-sex couples in specific situations.
While welcoming the pope’s gesture, many conservatives voiced concerns, fearing it might challenge the foundations of faith and potentially lead to a Church schism.
Pope Francis, elected ten years ago, has consistently sought to foster inclusivity without altering traditional Church teachings on moral issues, particularly emphasising a welcoming stance towards the LGBT community.
During Thursday’s gathering, the pontiff stressed the dynamic nature of the Christian faith, discouraging a sense of security and urging believers to remain open to change.
Emphasising the transformative power of God’s call, he encouraged Christians to venture beyond their comfort zones and embrace the challenges of an evolving spiritual journey.
