Pope Francis and same-sex relationships

Sir, – Pope Francis is to be applauded for managing to get even a chink of Catholic Church recognition for same-sex relationships. It is a pity that the joy of such recognition has to be diluted by a range of caveats, presumably made to appease the cohorts of Catholic conservatives.

According to the reports, the blessings cannot in any way be construed as legitimising “irregular” relationships.

The Vatican needs perhaps to take note of contemporary society. Same-sex relationships have already been legitimised and legalised in many countries including Ireland. Indeed, Ireland’s Catholic laity showed more Christian compassion than their hierarchy in our referendum.

Perhaps we can now await with bated breath a Vatican thinking change on gender equality although, if they do, I suggest they avoid phrases like “irregular genders”. – Yours, etc,