Dispute over declaration of blessing: Cardinal Zuppi emphasises unity with the Pope

In the debate surrounding the blessing of same-sex couples, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has emphatically defended Pope Francis' line. In a keynote speech to the Permanent Council of the Italian Bishops' Conference on Monday, Zuppi said that Italy's bishops accept the Vatican document "Fiducia supplicans" in a spirit of mercy. The text on the possible blessing of same-sex couples shows "the loving gaze of the Church for all of God's children", without abolishing the binding teachings of the Church.

Zuppi explained: "God wants everyone to be saved". It is therefore the task of the Church to stand up for everyone and everything. "We cannot forget that all the baptised have the full dignity of children of God and as such are our brothers and sisters." The 68-year-old is Archbishop of Bologna and has been President of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI) since May 2022. With 231 members, this is by far the largest bishops' conference in Europe. The text "Fiducia supplicans" had led to heated debates within the Church in some parts of the global Catholic Church.

Church disorientated after the end of corona

In his address, Zuppi spoke at length about the current crisis in the Catholic Church. Similar to large parts of society, the Church has appeared disorientated since the end of the coronavirus pandemic. There is a sense of decline, he said, which is reflected in indicators such as the decline in priestly vocations and church attendance as well as the Church's reduced social weight. This feeling of decline is spreading among priests and the faithful, and a church that is too preoccupied with itself is becoming unattractive, especially for young people.

In view of this situation, Zuppi called on the Church to become aware of its mission anew: The church today is called to "be itself, with an open mind, a courageous heart and a far-sighted understanding". It is called by God in view of the hunger for meaning and faith among so many people and the widespread disorientation and isolation. Therefore, Zuppi continued, the present is not only the era of secularisation, but also the era of the Church. It is not a time of decline, but a time of calling to be the Church of God. "Let us not be intimidated by a culture for which faith is in decline," emphasised Zuppi.

He recalled that the Church had survived many crises over the past 50 years "because its pastors were not afraid to preach the Gospel and were aware that they had a mission." Back then, too, people wrote that Christianity was doomed. "Let's not be frightened by fragility and smallness! They are not just indicators of a problem, but the everyday reality in which the Church has always lived," emphasised the Cardinal. Zuppi delivered his speech to the Permanent Council of the CEI. This is made up of the Presidium of the national Bishops' Conference, the Presidents of the 16 Italian regional Bishops' Conferences and the 12 Standing Commissions of the Bishops' Conference. (KNA)