By Milcah Tanimu

In a firm stance against the Pope’s recent approval of blessings for same-sex couples, Nigerian Catholic Bishops voiced their dissent at the 2024 First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

The Pope’s decision, made in December, to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples received criticism from Catholic faithful globally.

President Lucius Ugorji, speaking on behalf of the bishops, expressed disappointment in statements from the Holy See that, instead of fostering unity, caused division within the Church.

The bishops emphasized their commitment to upholding traditional Church teachings, stating unequivocally that same-sex couples cannot be blessed in the Church in Africa.

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama underscored the importance of synodality, highlighting Pope Francis’s emphasis on collective decision-making and active participation in the Church’s affairs.

The Nigerian Catholic Church’s rejection of same-sex marriage aligns with Nigeria’s anti-gay laws, which criminalize same-sex relationships and marriages, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

While the Pope’s decision sparked debate and division within the Church, Nigerian bishops remain steadfast in their adherence to traditional Church doctrine and African cultural values.