Pope Francis does not rule out the possibility of blessing same-sex couples, BBC reports. In response to a request from cardinals who asked him for clarification on this issue, the head of the Catholic Church emphasized the importance of treating any request for a blessing with "pastoral mercy."

"We cannot be judges who only deny, reject and exclude," Francis said.

The Pope emphasized that the church still considers same-sex relationships "objectively sinful" and does not recognize same-sex marriages. He clarified that the church sees marriage as "a stable and indissoluble union between a man and a woman" and should avoid "any rites or sacraments that may contradict these beliefs."

However, Pope Francis noted that when people ask for a blessing, they are expressing their plea to God for help and a request to live a better life. He is convinced that the church should always interact with people with "kindness, tolerance, understanding, tenderness and support."