The Vatican's religious authority released a policy statement on Monday allowing Catholic clergy to bless unmarried and same-sex couples.

The concession is a marked change of stance for the church — but it does come with strings attached.

What did the Vatican say about same-sex blessings?

The declaration was issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and approved by Pope Francis.

"Such blessings should not be conducted with any church rites that offer the impression of a marriage," the document laid out.

In addition, it said, "the doctrine regarding marriage does not change, and the blessing does not signify approval of the union."

"When two people request a blessing, even if their situation as a couple is 'irregular,' it will be possible for the ordained minister to consent," said the announcement. "However, this gesture of pastoral closeness must avoid any elements that remotely resemble a marriage rite."

The declaration said the concession was "for those who do not live according to the norms of Christian moral doctrine but humbly request to be blessed."

It called on priests to decide on a case-by-case basis, adding that they "should not prevent or prohibit the Church's closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God's help through a simple blessing."

German official: Blessings of same-sex couples 'long overdue'

Germany's commissioner for LGBTQ+ rights has welcomed the move, calling the decision "a signal long overdue."

"This means that all those in Germany who want to bless same-sex couples will also receive support," Sven Lehmann told Germany's DPA news agency on Monday, emphasizing that "there is no first or second class love. There is only love."

Nevertheless, Lehmann also stressed that the Vatican's continuing practice of distinguishing between regular and irregular partnerships was "discriminatory."

Why was the announcement made now?

The move expands upon a letter the pope sent to two conservative cardinals, published in October.

In that preliminary response, Francis intimated that such blessings could be offered under some circumstances — provided they did not confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage.

The new document elaborates on the letter and reaffirms that, in the eyes of the Catholic Church, marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman.

The practice of blessing same-sex couples was already established in some countries such as Belgium and Germany, despite not having the approval of the Holy See until now.

Since he took office in 2013, Francis has worked to reform Church governance, making it less hierarchical and more attentive to the needs of the traditionally excluded. However, he has met stiff internal resistance along the way.

rc/msh (dpa, Reuters, KNA)