Washington, D.C.:

Bishop Robert Barron has responded to concerns regarding the Vatican's recent publication of Fiduciary Supplicans, affirming that the Church's teachings on marriage remain unchanged. He stated that marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman who are dedicated to one another and open to having children.

Bishop Barron, who chairs the Committee of Laity, Marriage and Family Life and Youth of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, explained that the informal blessing of non-traditional relationships is intended to highlight the grace of God and assist those involved in their healing, guidance, and strengthening. He stated, "I would like to clarify that the Vatican's declaration does not call for any changes to the Church's teaching on marriage and sexuality." The document goes to some lengths to emphasize that, by the Church's consistent doctrine, marriage is the union of a man and woman with lifelong devotion to one another and open-mindedness towards children."

Meanwhile, Pope Francis cautioned against rigid ideological positions on issues such as gay marriage, emphasizing that such attitudes can impede progress and hide behind "good intentions." He was speaking days after the release of the declaration allowing blessings of same-sex couples that conservatives have condemned.

On Thursday, he drew attention to the ongoing debate between progressive and conservative views 60 years after the Vatican Council ushered in the modern era. He urged Catholics to remain vigilant against such attitudes and to maintain an open-minded approach to reality.