The Vatican has approved a decree allowing Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. The document was approved by Pope Francis, Reuters reports.

The decree states that the blessing of such couples is not an endorsement of same-sex marriage, but will be a sign that God accepts everyone.

Priests should make decisions on a case-by-case basis and "should not impede or prohibit the closeness of the Church to people" in every situation in which they can seek God's help through a blessing, the Vatican said.

Vatican News clarifies that the Vatican's declaration Fiducia supplicans allows only the blessing of same-sex couples, without any imitation of rites or imitation of traditional marriage. The doctrine of marriage does not change, so the blessing does not mean approval of the LGBT union.

In November, the Vatican allowed transgender people to be godparents at Roman Catholic baptisms and witnesses at weddings, as well as to receive baptism.