The decision by Pope Francis to allow priests to bless same-sex couples was celebrated by those who said it was a significant step in moving the church toward greater acceptance of L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics. It is a landmark in the relationship between the church and L.G.B.T.Q. Francis DeBernardo is the executive director of New Ways Ministry, a Maryland group that has advocated on behalf of gay Catholics since the 1970s.
Many Conservative Catholics in the US were disappointed and reacted with anger and resignation.