The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has publicly reaffirmed its position against blessing same-sex unions, citing that such blessings would conflict with God’s laws, the doctrines of the Catholic Church, and Nigerian law. In a statement signed by Conference President Lucius Ugirji and Secretary Donayus Ogun, the bishops highlighted their commitment to traditional teachings on marriage, which they hold to be “exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union[s] of a man and woman.”

The CBCN’s statement directly addressed recent interpretations of Pope Francis’s guidance on blessings within the Church, which had led some to believe that same-sex unions might be recognized in certain cases. However, the bishops clarified that the Pope’s permission extends only to blessing individuals, regardless of moral condition, who seek God’s grace — not to blessing unions outside the Church’s recognized parameters. They explained that these “informal blessings” might include individuals in various “irregular” situations, such as divorced individuals whose prior marriages remain unannulled, same-sex partnerships, polygamous unions, and cohabitations.

This form of blessing, however, is non-liturgical and personal, intended as an expression of God’s mercy and never as an endorsement of the union itself. The bishops emphasized that any blessing ceremony for individuals in irregular unions must be conducted carefully to avoid confusion. In particular, these blessings should never resemble or coincide with traditional wedding rites.

The CBCN also urged priests to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to refrain from any actions that could compromise the sacrament of matrimony. They expressed their appreciation for the dedication of priests working with married couples and reminded them to preserve the sacredness of holy matrimony.

As the CBCN closed its statement, it extended a blessing to the faithful and wished all a joyful Christmas season, urging believers in irregular unions to remain hopeful and seek God’s mercy as they work toward spiritual growth.